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.