Madrid's New Street Circuit to Join F1 in 2026, Replacing Imola

Formula 1 will introduce a new street circuit in Madrid, Spain, for the 2026 season, replacing the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola, according to the recently announced F1 calendar. The Madrid Grand Prix, happening on September 13, 2026, will be the city’s first F1 event in 45 years. It’ll take place on a 5.47km track winding around the IFEMA exhibition center, a semi-urban setup that’s sure to excite fans. With this addition, Spain will host two races, as Barcelona keeps its spot for the last year of its deal.

• F1 confirms Madrid street race for 2026, replacing Imola on revamped calendar
• Madrid to host Spanish Grand Prix in 2026 as Imola loses F1 slot
• Formula 1 heads to Madrid with new eco-focused street circuit from 2026

The Madrid track, dubbed the Madring circuit, will carry the Spanish Grand Prix title, which Barcelona has held since 1991. There’s no word yet on what Barcelona’s race will be called, and its future looks shaky after 2026 when its contract runs out. Madrid’s arrival shows F1’s focus on fresh, eco-friendly venues, with the calendar tweaked to cluster European races between June and September for smoother travel. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said, “With 24 races across five continents, we’re building a smarter, greener championship.”

Meanwhile, Italy will drop to one Grand Prix, as Imola’s beloved Enzo and Dino Ferrari circuit gets the boot. Imola, a fan and driver favorite, came back in 2020 during the pandemic and hosted five races, but it doesn’t have a deal for 2026. Max Verstappen, who dominated with four straight wins there, called it a “pity,” noting the track’s deep history, including the heartbreaking losses of Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger in 1994.

Also Read: 2025 F1 Canadian Grand Prix: Schedule and Race Preview

Kicking off March 6 in Melbourne, the 2026 season will stick to 24 races. Canada’s Grand Prix shifts to May 24, right after Miami, to cut down on long-haul trips. Madrid’s 10-year agreement through 2035 highlights F1’s push to grow in popular markets while moving on from older tracks.