Green light for new Spanish Grand Prix? 'A deal next week'

Will the Spanish Grand Prix move to Madrid or not? Although Formula 1 announced some weeks ago that there was still plenty to sort out, local authorities in the Spanish capital assume that the Spanish GP will be held in Madrid starting in 2026. A final announcement will follow next Tuesday, AS reported.

Local politicians are delighted with the Grand Prix, which would replace the Barcelona race on the F1 calendar. Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the president of the Madrid autonomous region, jubilantly told the Spanish newspaper that she is "very excited". "No government or country could turn down a project like this because of everything it will contribute to the local community," she said.

By this, the politician is obviously referring to the economic side of holding a Grand Prix. Diaz Ayuso is convinced a Grand Prix in Madrid will also add value on the sporting front. She said about the race being held at the IFEMA venue: "It is the best circuit in the world."

Incidentally, the question remains whether there will actually be racing in Madrid in 2026. Formula 1 still has a contract with the circuit near Barcelona for that year. With 24 races now on the F1 calendar and many countries worldwide wanting to host a GP, it is hard to imagine Spain being able to host two races in 2026.