Madrid has secured a ten‑year lease to host the Spanish Grand Prix, swapping Barcelona for a new circuit at the IFEMA fairgrounds near Barajas airport. The move follows a decade‑long search for a venue that balances spectacle, accessibility and sustainability. The city’s first F1 race since Jarama in 1981 will debut in September.
Organisers unveiled the layout during a glitzy opening ceremony that drew regional dignitaries and race ambassador Carlos Sainz. The highlight is the 550‑metre Monumental, a 24 % banked corner that climbs 270 degrees around the northern end. Drivers will enter at 280 km/h, creating a unique overtaking spot before a tight left‑right chicane.
The track blends a high‑speed road‑course section with a street‑circuit feel. The northern 2.2 km offers wide, flowing turns and a long straight between turns 3 and 5, while the southern half sits beside the start‑finish straight, packed with hospitality suites and a 98,000‑seater grandstand. Public transport links promise easy access for fans.
Despite legal setbacks and resident protests, organisers assert the venue will deliver a modern, fan‑friendly experience that boosts Madrid’s profile on the global racing calendar. The inaugural race will test the new layout’s safety and entertainment value, setting the tone for the decade ahead.
Source: Autosport F1 News · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing