F1 chiefs react to Madrid Grand Prix announcement

Formula 1 cars will start tearing across the streets of Madrid from 2026, Formula 1 has announced. An agreement has been reached with IFEMA to bring an entirely new circuit to Formula 1. The circuit is 5.47 kilometres long, has 20 corners, and will have an expected qualifying time of 1 minute and 32 seconds.

CEO of Formula 1, Stefano Domenicali is wildly enthusiastic. "Madrid is an incredible city with an amazing sporting and cultural heritage, and today's announcement begins an exciting new chapter for F1 in Spain," Domenicali opens. "I would like to thank the IFEMA MADRID team, the Madrid regional government and the city's mayor for putting together a fantastic proposal."

Ben Sulayem also enthusiastic

Not only Domenicali, but also FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem is happy with the announcement of the new Grand Prix. "Modern Formula 1 cars racing at a new circuit in the Spanish capital Madrid is an attractive prospect," he let it be known. For Jose Vicente de los Mozos, president of IFEMA Madrid, is hugely excited about the return.

"Our dream of organising a major F1 event around IFEMA MADRID has come true," he opens. "We are happy to announce F1's return to Madrid after more than four decades. With this, Madrid intends to dive deep into developing a new concept that combines sport and entertainment while delivering a memorable event."