Formula 1 returns to Madrid for a grand prix at the Ifema circuit
3 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 12, 2026, 3:11 PM
Last updated Sep 12, 2026
Formula 1 arrives in Madrid this weekend for the city's first race since 1981. The event takes place at a newly developed circuit located at the Ifema expo center on the outskirts of the city, rather than a street course in the urban core. Organizers confirmed the venue is part of a 10-year contract to host the sport in the Spanish capital. The project, led by Luis Garcia Abad, involved assessing the feasibility of the Ifema site after years of discussions. Fans are encouraged to use public transport to reach the facility, as parking options are limited. The race marks a shift in the series' European calendar, challenging the sport to establish a permanent presence in a market traditionally dominated by football.
- •Madrid hosts a Formula 1 race for the first time since 1981.
- •The circuit is situated at the Ifema expo center near the airport.
- •Organizers signed a 10-year contract to hold the grand prix in the city.
- •Spectators are advised to use public transport instead of driving to the venue.
- 3:11 PMYahoo Sports — 'Great to have a race at home': Fans celebrate F1's Madrid return
- 5:21 AMYahoo Sports — 'It started as a joke, a fantasy' - F1 heads to football-obsessed Madrid
- 5:21 AMBBC Sport — 'It started as a joke, a fantasy' - F1 heads to football-obsessed Madrid
"Forty-five years after Formula 1 last roared around Madrid, the Spanish capital is celebrating its return this weekend with a brand-new circuit, accessible from the city centre via only a metro ride.However Madrid has made no secret of its longer-term ambition -- to become Spain's sole Formula 1 destination and, as the city council puts it, establish itself as the "world capital of sport". ati-rbs/ea
"After F1’s explosion in popularity away from its European heartland the sport is coming home. Why Madrid? Because it is beautiful… and has a very big expo centre on the outskirts.
"After F1’s explosion in popularity away from its European heartland the sport is coming home. Why Madrid? Because it is beautiful… and has a very big expo centre on the outskirts.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 12, 2026, 3:11 PM'Great to have a race at home': Fans celebrate F1's Madrid return
Forty-five years after Formula 1 last roared around Madrid, the Spanish capital is celebrating its return this weekend with a brand-new circuit, accessible from the city centre via only a metro ride.However Madrid has made no secret of its longer-term ambition -- to become Spain's sole Formula 1 destination and, as the city council puts it, establish itself as the "world capital of sport". ati-rbs/ea
- Yahoo SportsSep 10, 2026, 5:21 AM'It started as a joke, a fantasy' - F1 heads to football-obsessed Madrid
After F1’s explosion in popularity away from its European heartland the sport is coming home. Why Madrid? Because it is beautiful… and has a very big expo centre on the outskirts.
- BBC SportSep 10, 2026, 5:21 AM'It started as a joke, a fantasy' - F1 heads to football-obsessed Madrid
After F1’s explosion in popularity away from its European heartland the sport is coming home. Why Madrid? Because it is beautiful… and has a very big expo centre on the outskirts.
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