2026 Madrid Grand Prix Travel Guide

Start planning your trip to the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid on September 11-13, 2026. How to get to IFEMA, where to stay, what to do away from the track and how to buy tickets for the race.

Madrid F1 Tickets / F1 Experiences / Madrid Hotels / Madrid F1 Facebook group

Madrid takes over from Barcelona as host of the Spanish Grand Prix in 2026. Excitement for the new event is already building and tickets for the inaugural race at the Madring circuit are already on sale ahead of its debut in September.

The circuit is set to become one of F1’s most accessible venues. Set out around the IFEMA Madrid exhibition centre in northeast Madrid, the track will be easy to reach for fans via a range of public transport methods.

Click the links below to read the different sections of our guide and scroll down to start planning your trip!

2026 Madrid Grand Prix Tickets

Your guide to choosing the best tickets at the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, including general admission, grandstands and hospitality tickets at the new Madring circuit.

Where To Stay in Madrid

The new home of the Spanish Grand Prix is located in northeast Madrid, close to the city’s airport. We recommend staying in one of Madrid’s downtown areas and making the most of the city’s well developed public transport connections to get to the Madring circuit.

How to Get Around in Madrid

Madrid’s Metro system is the easiest and cheapest way to get to the Madring circuit. Learn more about how to get around the city.

TRAVEL ADVICE

Trackside at the Madring

Tips and advice about the trackside experience at the Madring for F1 fans attending the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid.

TRACKSIDE GUIDE

Madrid Grand Prix Facebook Group

Join our Facebook group for fans attending the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid. Have your questions answered by our friendly community of race-going F1 fans.

JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP

Budget Planner

How much does it cost to attend the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix? Learn more about the the price of F1 tickets, accommodation & spending money with our budget planner.

PLAN YOUR BUDGET

Spanish Grand Prix Facts & History

Madrid becomes the latest host of the Spanish Grand Prix in 2026. The event’s history on the F1 calendar dates back to 1950s.

What to See & Do in Madrid

F1’s move to Madrid means that racegoers have a brand new destination to explore. The Spanish capital is famed for its world-class museums, stunning architecture and energetic nightlife.

MADRID’S TOP ATTRACTIONS

Start Planning Your Trip to Spain

Timezone: GMT + 1 hour (Central European Time, or CET)
Currency: EUR. Tipping isn’t customary in Spain – but leaving behind change after your bill won’t offend
Language: Spanish is spoken in Madrid
Power Sockets: Type F. Bring an adapter if traveling from the UK, USA or Australia
Driving: You drive on the right side of the road in Spain. The blood alcohol limit for driving is 0.2 g/l
Tap Water: Safe to drink
More Info: Spain Travel Official Website

Do I Need a Visa for Spain?

Spain is part of the Schengen zone, a group of 29 European countries with a common visa policy and no internal borders. If you’re travelling from the UK, the United States, Canada, New Zealand or Australia, you don’t need a visa to enter Spain. A valid passport with grant a stay of up to 90 days.

Madrid Weather

The Spanish Grand Prix will be held in mid-September, meaning you’ll miss the intense heat of Madrid in the summer sunshine. Nevertheless, you’re still likely to have long, sunny days. Expect daily temperatures upward of 25°C. On average, it rains on 3-4 days during September in Madrid.

Language & Culture

Spanish (Castilian) is the dominant and official language of Madrid, though locals are used to tourists and English is widely understood – though Spanish conversation is valued. Madrileños are social, enjoying long evenings in plazas, bars, and markets.

Safety

Madrid is generally a safe city. Like in any major city, be alert and don’t take unnecessary risks. Petty crime – like pickpocketing and theft – is more likely to occur is high-traffic tourist areas like Puerta del Sol and Gran Vía. Be sure to look after your belongings on public transport.

Madrid Grand Prix FAQ

The Madring circuit will make its debut on the F1 calendar for the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix, on September 11-13.

Tickets for the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid are on sale now. Learn more in our Ticket Buying Guide.

As it’s the first race at the circuit, we’re yet to learn where the best overtaking spots will be. The Main Grandstand will have views of the starting grid, pitlane and podium, while the banked La Monumental corner looks like an exciting place to watch the race from. More information can be found in our Ticket Buying Guide.

Stay near the IFEMA Madrid exhibition center if you want to be close to the track. If you want to explore all that Madrid has to offer, stay downtown in the city. Learn more in our Accommodation Guide.

Madrid’s Metro system will be the cheapest and easiest way to get to the Madring circuit. Learn more in our Getting Around Guide.

We estimate the average cost of attending the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix weekend based on the price of race tickets, accommodation and spending money is €1,678. Further information is available in our Budget Planner.

Not yet confirmed. Catalunya – the previous host of the Spanish Grand Prix – usually opens the pit lane to a limited number of fans on Thursday ahead of the race. It’s yet to be announced if a similar approach will be taken by race organisers at the Madring.

No, the Spanish Grand Prix will not host F1’s Sprint format in 2026.

Formula 2 and Formula 3 are already confirmed on the support schedule at the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix. Learn more in Trackside.

Race organisers have promised trackside concerts as a feature of the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid. Headline performers for 2026 have not yet been announced.

Madrid Grand Prix News

F1 Calendar Stories to Watch in 2026

From the completion of F1’s newest circuit, to calendar expansions and an increased number of Sprints – these are the calendar stories that could dominate headlines in 2026.

2026 Formula 2 & Formula 3 Calendars Announced

Both of Formula 1’s feeder series, Formula 2 and Formula 3 have revealed their 2026 calendars. Here’s where and when each series will be racing in 2026.

Carlos Sainz to Drive in Free Madrid F1 Event

Carlos Sainz is set to thrill Formula 1 fans in a free event on June 7 at the new Madring circuit in Madrid.

Visiting the Formula 1 Exhibition in Madrid

New fan Natalia visits the Formula 1 Exhibition in Madrid for her first ‘real life’ encounter with the sport.

Every Spanish Circuit which has Hosted Formula 1

From Pedralbes to Catalunya, five different circuits have hosted the Spanish Grand Prix since 1950, while Valencia featured on the calendar as host of the European Grand Prix.

Spain’s Home Race Heroes

Thirteen Spanish drivers have started a Formula 1 Grand Prix, eight have scored points, but only one has scored multiple poles, wins and World Championships.

About Madrid & Spain

Spain, located on the Iberian Peninsula in Southern Europe, has a population of around 48 million and is the world’s 15th largest economy by GDP. Known for its rich history, diverse landscapes and strong regional identities, Spain is one of Europe’s most popular destinations. Madrid, the capital and largest city, is home to more than 6 million people in its metropolitan area and serves as the nation’s political, cultural and financial centre.

Madrileños are known for their warmth and pride in their city. Spain as a whole is highly diverse, with a culture shaped by centuries of history and influences from across Europe, Latin America and North Africa. Madrid reflects this blend with its vibrant neighbourhoods, lively plazas and world-famous food scene, making it one of Europe’s most dynamic capitals.

Sport is central to life in Madrid. The city is home to two of the world’s most famous football clubs—Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid—while also staging major international events across basketball, tennis and athletics. In 2026, Madrid adds Formula 1 to its sporting portfolio, with the Spanish Grand Prix set to further cement its reputation as a global sporting destination.

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