Formula 1 will return to Madrid in 2026. Official approval from the organization is missing, but the relevant capital institutions (IFEMA, City Council and Community) accept the agreement as is. This will mean F1’s return to Madrid after 45 years, when the final test was held at the Jarama circuit. However, How many Spanish tracks have hosted Formula 1 tests?
The route will be deployed in the north of Madrid, where IFEMA and Madrid’s Valdebebas neighborhood (north) are key locations.Seventh in Formula 1 history in Spain. Up to five venues have hosted the Grand Prix: Barcelona (Catalonia), San Sebastián de los Reyes (Madrid), Jerez (Andalusia), Montmeló (Catalonia) and Valencia (Valencian Community). The capital of Spain will also join them.
Pedralbes Circuit (1951 and 1954)
The first Spanish circuit to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix It was from Pedralbeslocated 30 kilometers away from the current situation Catalonia Circuit. This route first opened its doors in 1946, when it became the company’s headquarters. Penya Rhin Grand Prix. In 1950, a non-scoring test was held for the F1 championship, and a year later (1951) the first GP came. It ended with the victory of Argentine legend Juan Manuel Fangio.
The Alfa Romeo driver claimed his first world title at Pedralbes after a tough battle with the Italian pilot throughout the year. Alberto Ascari. In 1954 Formula 1 returned to Pedralbes with an edition won by Ferrari driver Mike Hawthorn. This was the last time the 6,316 meter long track was run.
The disaster that occurred in Sarthe (Le Mans, France) in 1955 caused a change in safety measures in circuits. Pilot Pierre Lavegh and 82 spectators died. This was the greatest tragedy in motorsport history. This caused Pedralbes to close. Barcelona decided to design another urban layout: Montjuïc circuit.
Jarama Circuit (1968, 1970, 1972, 1974, 1976-1981)
Fourteen years after the last Spanish Grand Prix in Pedralbes, the Formula 1 We arrived in Madrid. He did this in 1968 Jarama Circuit in San Sebastián de los ReyesIt is 20 kilometers away from the capital. This route, which is still in operation and where national and international championship events are held, John HugenholtzCreator of other legendary routes such as Suzuki’s (Japan) and Zandvoort (Holland).
Jarama Hosted the Spanish GP alternately with the Montjuïc CircuitA proposed solution for the future Madrid GP to coexist with the one to be held in Montmeló until 2026, if the current contract is fulfilled. In 1967, the XV Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix was held, which, like the 1968 edition won by Graham Hill (Lotus-Ford), was not considered a World Championship.
On 21 June 1981, the Jarama circuit hosted the last Formula 1 race and it was Gilles Villenueve (Ferrari) who won ahead of Jacques Laffite, John Watson, Reutemann and De Angelis. They crossed the finish line by just over a second. Jarama suggested as possibility for F1 return to MadridHowever, its approval would require a large investment and would affect the remaining tests performed at this location.
Montjuïc Circuit (1969, 1971, 1973 and 1975)
The Montjuïc Circuit was built to replace the Pedralbes Circuit. It hosted the Spanish Grand Prix in alternate years with Jarama’s. Formula 1 first stopped at this track in 1969It was repeated in 1971 and 1973, and its participation was closed in 1975. As with the previous model, lack of facilities and safety guarantees were the reasons for its closure.
Like Pedralbes, Montjuïc has also experienced several editions of the Penya Rhin Grand Prix, a race held in Villafranca that showcases the automobile tradition of the region. Montjuïc was a fearsome track with 12 bends and 3.79 kilometers. The 1975 edition ended due to the tragedy that occurred.
During training, incidents occurred that questioned the safety of the circuit. Have Emerson FittipaldiA two-time World Cup winner and fearless driver, he withdrew from the race in protest after the first lap. On lap 26, Rolf Stommelen lost his wing, crashed into the fence and killed four spectators. The race was stopped and Jochen Mass was declared the winner. The circuit has been removed from the calendar.
Jerez Circuit (1986-1990, 1994, 1997)
The Spanish Grand Prix returns to Spain in 1986 It was opened just a year ago by Jerez Circuit. He did this with an incredible race in which iconic Brazilian Ayrton Senna, driving a Lotus, beat Briton Nigel Mansell by just 14 thousandths of a margin.
The Andalusian town hosted World Cup events between 1994 and 1997. ‘European Grand Prix’A name used in various patterns such as Nürburgring, Valencia anyone Baku. It achieved this thanks to security improvements. Farewell to F1 was stylish There is a fierce duel between Michael Schumacher and Jacques Villeneuve for the championship..
The Canadian took pole position, while the German started from second place. But a good start allowed Schumacher to take second place on the 4.423-kilometer road course, which was renamed Ángel Nieto in 2019. in the 21st round Villeneuve tried to passbut the German blocked his way. But Ferrari entered the gravel and Williams-Renault took the world crown.
Montmeló Circuit (1991–present)
As the Barcelona Olympic Games approached, the Montmeló Circuit, officially named Circuit de Barcelona – Catalunya, was opened in Catalonia in 1991, with a capacity of 140,700 spectators. Since then Formula 1 has visited the 5,451 kilometer route. The drivers who earn the most on this track are: lewis hamilton And Michael SchumacherWith six wins each.
In 1992 the World Motorcycle Championship was held in Montmeló.. That same year, on the occasion of the Olympic Games, the track hosted the final of the team time trial, which Germany won. Over these three decades, the circuit has experienced changes, especially in terms of safety. It is 75 percent owned by the Generalitat (the rest is shared by the RACC and Montmeló City Council), so its funding is mostly public.
According to its latest strategic plan, Montmeló Circuit has a net contribution of 181 million to the economy and employs 2,670 people. The event picked up after no spectators and financial difficulties worsened by the pandemic. His permanence in the World Cup will depend on the decision made by Formula 1 organisers.. In a calendar where there are more tests every day, the association with the new Madrid track is not ignored.
Valencia Circuit (2008-2012)
The genesis of a Grand Prix in Valencia took place in 2006, when Bernie Ecclestone, then president of Formula One, expressed his desire to hold a test in the Mediterranean. The person responsible for designing this urban circuit was Herman Tilke. Agreement in principle was reached to hold races between 2008 and 2014.
The F1 adventure in Valencia lasted until 2012, when the organizers (Valmor Sports) and the Generalitat requested alternative races with Montmeló. They made this request due to lack of liquidity, although the deal never materialized. After Valmor’s bankruptcy, the Valencian Government assumed the debt. After the resignation of Francisco Camps, the president who introduced the project, the institution gave up the race.
Eleven years after the last Grand Prix held on the 5,473 kilometer long track, in the summer of 2023, Generalitat paid the last 7.5 million euros of the 60 million loan Euros requested at the time to finance part of the track’s expenses.
Madrid Circuit (2026)
Unless there is an official approval from the Formula 1 Management, the Madrid Circuit will be the seventh track to host the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Spain. After the competition, a private entrepreneur will be responsible for the construction. A semi-urban circuit whose axes will be fairgrounds IFEMA and ValdebebasA neighborhood in the north of the Spanish capital.
In the Official Industrial Property Bulletin dated March 28, Names ‘Formula 1 Madrid Grand Prix’ and ‘Madrid Grand Prix’ ‘Formula 1 Madrid Grand Prix’ and ‘Madrid Grand Prix’. IFEMA’s 200,000 square meters of space, 13 pavilions, 85 rooms or two convention centers are a powerful base of operations where the massive infrastructure required for such testing will be deployed.
Additionally, Valdebebas, where IFEMA is located, offers many possibilities. It is an expanding financially and commercially focused area of Madrid, where the Real Madrid Sports City is located. It is next to Barajas airport, which will facilitate the movement of more than 100 people and 50 tons. The amount of equipment carried by each Formula 1 team.
Source: Informacion

Gregory Robert is a sports aficionado and a writer for “Social Bites”. He provides in-depth coverage of the latest sporting events and trends, offering a unique and knowledgeable perspective on the world of sports.