A New Era for the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid. But what does this mean for fans?
Big changes are coming to the Spanish Grand Prix! From 2026, Madrid will take over as host, replacing Barcelona with a brand-new temporary circuit at IFEMA MADRID. But what does this mean for fans?
From 2026, the Spanish Grand Prix moves to Madrid, with a new temporary circuit at IFEMA MADRID. This major convention centre, officially known as Institución Ferial de Madrid (meaning "Fair Institution of Madrid"), will be at the heart of the action.
Barcelona and the Spanish Grand Prix hold a special place for me; it was the first F1 race I attended in the 90s, and I went back several times. But getting to and from the circuit was always a hassle, often feeling like an endurance test. With Madrid’s urban track, fans should find race weekend logistics much easier. I headed there for a weekend break to get a feel for how Grand Prix weekend might look from a fan's point of view. With the circuit located near the airport and well-connected by metro, Madrid has the potential to provide a much smoother experience for fans attending the race. Skip the hassle and enjoy the Grand Prix weekendI arrived on Thursday evening, just as many F1 fans will during a Grand Prix weekend. I flew into Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (the main international airport), which is located right next to IFEMA MADRID, just minutes from the future Grand Prix circuit.
Madrid is well-connected, with frequent flights from major cities worldwide. The airport’s arrival and departure boards reinforce how easy it is to reach. Rather than relying on private transfers, I opted for public transport. Madrid’s metro system is excellent, with a station directly accessible from the airport terminal. I took Line 8 to Nuevos Ministerios, a journey of just 15 minutes. From there, it was a 15-minute walk to my hotel. I stayed in the financial district, near the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and just off Paseo de la Castellana, a major thoroughfare that cuts across Madrid. This area has a metro link to IFEMA MADRID and is a quieter alternative to the bustling city center. However, it is not the best location for sightseeing. Luckily, Madrid’s efficient public transport system makes getting around easy. The main tourist areas are just 15 to 20 minutes away by metro or bus, making it convenient for exploring the city before or after the Grand Prix. For fans attending the race, this location is a good base as it offers quick metro access to IFEMA MADRID. I purchased a four-day tourist metro pass at the airport metro station for €27, which covered unlimited metro travel, including to and from the circuit and the airport. It is a convenient and good value option, avoiding the need to queue at ticket machines each day. When I visited in January 2025, there were no visible signs of F1 coming to town yet, which is not surprising since it was still over a year away. However, I wanted to check out the future Grand Prix location, so I stopped at IFEMA MADRID on my way back to the airport. The metro station at Feria de Madrid (Line 8) is right at the venue, with the 122 bus also serving the area. These will likely be the most convenient transport options for fans on race weekend. With such easy access, fans should have no trouble reaching the circuit and making the most of their Grand Prix experience. What to see and do in Madrid off the trackWhile a packed Grand Prix weekend keeps you busy, it’s worth setting aside time to experience Madrid. The city is full of history, culture, and green spaces. Retiro Park (Parque del Buen Retiro) is a perfect escape from the city streets, great for a stroll or a hire rowing boats. Even in January, people were out on the water.
Puerta del Sol is one of Madrid’s most iconic squares and the starting point for an excellent guided walking tour. I highly recommend Lexi Walking Tours, one of the best I’ve done anywhere in the world. Informative, engaging, and a great way to learn how Madrid evolved from a hilltop village into one of Europe’s most exciting capitals.
Malasaña has excellent places to eat, drink, and shop. Its narrow streets and lively plazas are lined with restaurants serving traditional Spanish food. The area is also home to shops selling vintage clothing and accessories.
La Latina, dotted with tapas bars, quickly became a favorite spot. I found myself here twice, it’s the perfect place to stop for lunch. Madrid’s Grand Prix future looks brightMadrid is shaping up to be a fantastic host city for the Spanish Grand Prix. With its well-connected airport, efficient metro system, and central location, it will be one of the most accessible races on the F1 calendar.
Whether you're visiting just for race weekend or staying longer, this Grand Prix is one to keep an eye on. |
Rob is an experienced independent travel consultant and travel content creator.
His love for Formula One started in the 1990s, watching the greats like Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, and Mika Hakkinen. He traveled to his first Grand Prix in 1999. It was the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. Since then, Rob has traveled to over 2/3 of Grand Prix' on the current Formula One calendar. Fast forward to today, and Rob has turned his passion into a career, dedicating his time to helping others plan their dream Formula One trips. His favourite Grand Prix destinations are Austria and Austin, and when he's not attending a Formula One Grand Prix, you'll find him closer to home, walking or cycling in the Peak District National Park. |