Barcelona F1 GP rebranded as Madrid named official host of Spanish GP

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) unveiled the official calendar for the 2026 Formula 1 season on Tuesday, confirming for the first time the inclusion of the Madrid Grand Prix.

With Madrid now hosting the event previously known as the Spanish Grand Prix, the longstanding race at the Barcelona-Catalunya Circuit, located in Montmeló, will be rebranded as the 'Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.'

According to the 2026 calendar, the Barcelona-Catalunya race will take place from June 12 to 14, while the Madrid Grand Prix is scheduled for September 11 to 13.

However, an asterisk next to the Madrid race notes that it remains subject to FIA homologation, meaning official approval of the new circuit is still pending.

If no unexpected setbacks arise, the race in Spain’s capital is expected to go ahead, despite opposition from environmental groups and local residents.

The project is spearheaded by Madrid regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso, from the conservative People's Party.

It has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and activists who question both the environmental impact and the financial transparency of the initiative.

Critics argue that the project will not be the "cost-zero" project that Ayuso promised and that taxpayers may ultimately bear some of the financial burden.

The Madrid Grand Prix is expected to run from 2026 to 2035, and according to organizers, it could generate €450 million per year, create 8,000 jobs, and attract over 112,000 spectators annually.

However, questions remain over the race’s financial backing. So far, the IFEMA trade fair institution has committed to an initial investment of €137 million, and Swiss company Match Hospitality has also been named as a sponsor.

But beyond that, no additional sponsors have been confirmed, raising concerns about the race’s long-term sustainability.

The concerns are rooted in recent history: Spain previously hosted the Valencia Grand Prix between 2008 and 2012, a race that ended in controversy after the urban circuit was abandoned and €300 million in public funds were lost.

The debacle sparked a broader debate over the reliability of private financing in large-scale sporting events.