Madrid is set to roar into the Formula 1 scene in 2026, hosting the Spanish Grand Prix on a brand-new circuit. The arrival of the "Madring" circuit, a blend of street and permanent sections around the IFEMA Exhibition Centre, marks a significant shift in the F1 landscape, with the iconic Imola circuit in Italy expected to drop off the calendar to make way.

A New Era for Spanish Motorsport

From September 11 to 13, 2026, Madrid will host its first F1 race in over four decades. The Madring circuit, designed for both performance and spectacle, aims to showcase Madrid's commitment to innovation and sustainability. The 5.474 km track will boast a capacity of 110,000, with the potential to expand to 140,000. One of the track's highlights is set to be the Turn 12, "La Monumental", a semi-circular corner with 24% banking that will test drivers over six seconds in front of 45,000 fans.

The move to Madrid puts Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya in a precarious position, as its current contract expires soon. While there was initial speculation that both circuits could co-exist, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali suggested that it was unlikely that Barcelona would remain on the calendar beyond 2026 under the Spanish Grand Prix name. However, Spain will host two Formula 1 races in 2026, with the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix returning on June 12-14.

Imola's Exit: Tradition vs. Modernity

The addition of Madrid to the F1 calendar comes at the expense of Imola, a track steeped in history and emotion. Imola's current contract expires at the end of 2025, and it is unlikely to be renewed. While popular among drivers and fans, Imola's traditional layout and location seemingly clash with F1's growing focus on street circuits in major cities and the financial incentives they bring.

Imola has been a significant part of Formula 1 since 1980, witnessing iconic moments and tragic events. The track was dropped from the calendar in 2006 but made a comeback in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite its history, F1's owners, Liberty Media, are prioritizing more lucrative options. Some reports suggest that Madrid is paying a substantial $52 million to host a race, while Imola contributes significantly less.

Looking Ahead to 2026

The 2026 Formula 1 season will feature 24 races, starting in Melbourne, Australia, on March 6-8 and concluding in Abu Dhabi on December 4-6. The calendar also includes improvements to the geographical flow of races to improve efficiency and sustainability. Six venues, including China, Miami, Canada, Great Britain, the Netherlands and Singapore, will host sprint events. Pre-season testing is scheduled to take place in Spain and Bahrain in January and February.

The debut of Madrid and the exit of Imola represent the evolving nature of Formula 1, balancing tradition with the demands of a global sport. The 2026 season promises to be an exciting new era for Formula 1, with new regulations, sustainable fuels, and the arrival of major automotive brands like Audi, Cadillac and Ford.