Formula 1 returns to Madrid

Formula 1 will return to Madrid after more than 40 years, the last time being when the Jarama circuit welcomed drivers in 1981.

While much has happened since then, for some time now there has been interest in bringing the sport back to the capital, where it has become increasingly popular thanks to the prestige of Spanish drivers such as Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz.

The announcement was made at the end of January this year: Formula 1 will finally return to Madrid. The first Grand Prix will be held in 2026 around the IFEMA trade fair premises, the site of the Mad Cool music festival, and part of Valdebebas, close to the Real Madrid sports village. The circuit will be 5.47 kilometres long and include 20 corners, allowing drivers to reach speeds of up to 300 km/h.

This is undoubtedly a great opportunity for all the fans in the capital and for the city itself. As well as showcasing the venue and some of the activities that will be associated with the Grand Prix, the presentation also highlighted the huge impact the event will have on Madrid’s economy, which is currently estimated at between 450 and 500 million euros. The authorities also predicted that the event could generate some 10,000 jobs.

What is not yet clear is whether this Grand Prix will replace the one currently held in Catalonia, the Montmeló GP, or whether the two will coexist over time. Although the outcome is still unclear, everything points to the capital taking the lead until 2035, when the contract signed by the organisers expires.

The countdown has already begun, and tickets are expected to sell out as fast as the drivers on the circuit.

Categories: Madrid Deportes