Formula 1 returns to Madrid in 2026: a historic Spanish circuit legacy and the road ahead

Madrid is poised to welcome Formula 1 again in 2026. While formal approval from the governing body is still pending, key regional institutions including IFEMA, the City Council, and the Community of Madrid have signaled their support for the plan. This would mark F1 returning to the Spanish capital after a 45 year gap, the last time a test or race was held at the Jarama circuit. The question many fans ask is how many Spanish tracks have hosted Formula 1 tests in the past.

The proposed route would run through the north of Madrid, linking IFEMA with the Valdebebas district. Spain has a rich history with the sport, and Madrid would become the seventh location to join the list of Spanish circuits that have hosted Formula 1 events. Five circuits have already hosted the Grand Prix in Spain: Barcelona’s Montmeló, Jerez in Andalusia, the Pedralbes circuit near Barcelona, the Montjuïc circuit in Barcelona, and Valencia. With the Madrid project under consideration, the country would once again feature on the calendar.

Formula 1 will come to Madrid in 2026: only the official announcement is missing

The Pedralbes circuit in Barcelona was the first Spanish venue to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix, opening in 1951 after earlier running as a testing ground for teams. The venue, located about 30 kilometers from the heart of Catalonia, hosted its first world championship race in 1951, which Juan Manuel Fangio won. The era also saw Alberto Ascari compete for glory, and the 1954 edition at Pedralbes ended with a victory for Mike Hawthorn. That year marked the last time the circuit hosted a Grand Prix until the Montjuïc track opened later as a successor in the city’s racing lineage.

The tragedy at Le Mans in 1955 prompted sweeping safety changes across circuits, influencing the decision to retire Pedralbes as a racing venue. Barcelona then explored an urban alternative to host major events, leading to the Montjuïc circuit. Montjuïc hosted several editions in the late 1960s and 1970s, but safety concerns and limited facilities eventually led to its closure. The circuit was known for its demanding layout with a significant number of bends and tight sections, and it remains a stark reminder of early motorsport risk.

The sport’s safety evolution can be traced through the evolution of Spain’s circuits. After Pedralbes and Montjuïc, Jarama in San Sebastián de los Reyes became a key site for Spanish Grand Prix action starting in 1968. Jarama hosted the event for multiple years and stood alongside Montjuïc as a primary venue before scheduling shifts limited its use. The 1981 race at Jarama marked the last time a Formula 1 World Championship grand prix visited the circuit, with winners and competitors drawing lasting memories from the track. Although Jarama was considered a potential site for a Madrid return, substantial investment would have been required and the feasibility depended on broader testing arrangements at the venue.

The moment Juan Manuel Fangio won his first World Championship at the Pedralbes circuit. EPEE

Montjuïc Circuit (1969, 1971, 1973 and 1975)

The Montjuïc circuit emerged as a successor to Pedralbes, hosting the Spanish Grand Prix in alternating years with Jarama. The first race there came in 1969, with subsequent editions in 1971 and 1973, before its 1975 involvement ended. The track was known for a formidable layout and the ambitious, urban setting around the Montjuïc hill, which showcased Barcelona’s evolving motorsport culture. The era also featured the Penya Rhin Grand Prix, a regional showcase of automobile heritage held farther inland in Villafranca. Safety concerns and limited facilities ultimately ended Montjuïc’s status as a formula venue, a reminder of how the sport’s infrastructure has evolved. Training incidents during races tested safety expectations and, in a notable moment, a driver withdrew to protest after the first lap, underscoring the high stakes of early Formula 1 competition.

Formula 1 cars at the Grand Prix held at the Montjuïc circuit. EPEE

Jerez Circuit (1986-1990, 1994, 1997)

The Spanish Grand Prix returned to the country in 1986 with the Jerez Circuit hosting a memorable race. The event quickly became a fixture on the calendar, bringing top drivers to southern Andalusia. In the mid 1990s the circuit played host to events branded as the European Grand Prix, a designation used for several races in different countries as Formula 1 expanded. The Jerez era also featured intense battles among drivers, including the era’s high-profile rivalries and dramatic finishes, underscoring the circuit’s impact on Spain’s Formula 1 narrative. A dramatic moment from the era occurred when Michael Schumacher and Jacques Villeneuve battled for the championship, with Schumacher securing a pivotal result that helped shape the season’s outcome. The track later continued to host top-level racing as part of the country’s broader F1 legacy.

The accident in which Michael Schumacher lost his 1997 F1 championship at the Jerez circuit. EPEE

Montmeló Circuit (1991–present)

Open as the Barcelona region prepared for the Olympic Games, the Circuit de Barcelona–Catalunya began welcoming Formula 1 in 1991. The venue has since hosted numerous grands prix, establishing itself as a central part of Spain’s Formula 1 story. It remains a favorite for drivers and fans, with competitive racing often featuring standout performances. The circuit, a public-private collaboration, is jointly owned and funded, reflecting how regional infrastructure supports major motorsport events. In addition to F1, the venue has hosted motorcycle championships and team-time trial finals, illustrating its versatility and long-standing role in international sport. The track has undergone safety and design updates over the years to keep pace with modern grand prix standards, while maintaining its status as a staple of the European racing circuit. Its continued involvement with Formula 1 suggests potential alignment with future calendar plans as the sport evolves in a global calendar that increasingly values sustainability and fan accessibility.

The scene surrounding Montmeló has evolved, with local authorities highlighting the track’s economic contribution and employment impact. The ongoing discussions about calendar slots and safety improvements reflect Formula 1’s broader strategy to balance iconic venues with new opportunities. A future partnership with Madrid’s proposed circuit would fit within this landscape, offering strategic benefits for both the sport and the region.

The Ferrari ‘box’ at the 1994 Spanish GP at the Montmeló circuit. DANNY CAMINAL

Valencia Circuit (2008-2012)

The Valencia Grand Prix began with a vision to stage an urban race along the Mediterranean coast. The circuit, designed by Herman Tilke, aimed to create a striking street-style course that would bring Formula 1 into the Valencian community. The plan envisioned races from 2008 through 2014, but financial hurdles and shifting priorities eventually led to changes in the schedule. Valencia hosted its final event in 2012 as organizers and regional authorities considered alternative venues with Montmeló. Financial difficulties and debt related to the project contributed to Valencia stepping away from hosting the race. In 2023 the regional government settled outstanding debts related to the circuit’s expenses, marking the end of that chapter in Spain’s Formula 1 history. The Valencia project remains a key example of how infrastructure and finance influence the sport’s footprint in a given region.

Fernando Alonso would achieve victory in the 2012 European GP. EFE

Madrid Circuit (2026)

If formal approval arrives, the Madrid Circuit would become the seventh venue in Spain to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix. After selection, a private developer would oversee construction. The plan envisions a semi-urban track with the fairgrounds at IFEMA and the Valdebebas area in the northern part of Madrid serving as critical anchor points for the complex. The project is tied to a broader industrial property framework that mentions a Madrid Grand Prix concept and related branding, reinforcing the city’s ambition to position itself at the heart of European motorsport. IFEMA’s substantial facilities, including exhibition halls and event spaces, would provide a robust operational base for testing and racing activities. Valdebebas presents opportunities for logistics and fan engagement, aided by proximity to Barajas airport to support movement of teams and equipment. The future Madrid Grand Prix would likely expand the sport’s footprint in the region and contribute to the local economy through tourism, media rights, and ancillary events.

Mexican Formula 1 driver Checo Pérez at a Red Bull showrun in Madrid. RED BULL