Madrid will join the F1 calendar from 2026 onwards, spelling the introduction of another street circuit. Although there is a conventional circuit at the Spanish Capital in Jarama, the circuit layout will be elsewhere.
This new addition has been reported for several weeks, with official confirmation seen as little more than a formality. Senior figures within F1 and the Spanish Government have already spoken extensively about Madrid’s arrival.
However, what only became known today was the duration of the Madrid circuit’s contract.
Even before completing a race, a 10-year agreement has been signed, safeguarding the Spanish city’s place on the calendar until 2035.
Subject to FIA approval, this is what the Madrid Circuit will look like:
Undoubtedly, there will be plenty of questions from fans. With street circuits becoming increasingly common, there are concerns that traditional tracks are being neglected.
Whilst it seems difficult to imagine circuits like Silverstone or Spa losing their slots, the direction F1 is following seems inevitable.
For many, the changes being made to the calendar are for the worse. After all, tracks made specifically for racing will generally produce a higher quality of racing than street layouts.
Focusing more specifically on Madrid, Spain’s current F1 Grand Prix in Catalunya is at risk. This is only logical, with the likelihood of F1 visiting Spain twice in a season being quite low.
Catalunya hopes to cling on
However, the Catalunya circuit’s organisers are still working to keep their position on the schedule.
It should not be overlooked that Barcelona changed its layout in response to F1. Evidently, their commitment to motor racing is strong.
One potential lifeline could be the introduction of rotational circuits, whereby some venues are visited on a bi-yearly basis.
Unfortunately for Barcelona, the above hypothesis is little more than a thought experiment. Madrid is being presented as the new Spanish GP from 2026, which seems a definitive stance.
Elsewhere on the calendar, a handful of circuits are on expiring contracts. Suzuka, Spa and Monza are among the venues whose deals must be renewed before the end of 2025.
Although there is no immediate danger they will be replaced, their renewal seems fundamental. Not only are they so significant for the quality of racing, but also to maintain some element of continuity in an increasingly alien F1 calendar.
Author: Jaden Diaz-Ndisang
