P1racenews AI automatic summary:
F1 in Madrid: What’s the track, why is it moving and more
The Spanish GP will be hosted in Madrid starting from 2026, marking the first time the series visits the capital city. The move is part of a long-term contract until 2035 and the plan is to race on a hybrid 3.4-mile circuit featuring both street and non-street sections, pending FIA approval. This decision has sparked controversy as Madrid joins other non-permanent tracks that have been added to the F1 calendar in recent years. With the addition of Madrid, the number of non-permanent circuits in an F1 season will likely increase to at least nine, representing almost a third of the races on a 24-round calendar. The circuit will be built on the fairgrounds by IFEMA Madrid’s convention centre, which already hosts various exhibitions and events, and is located around 18.6 miles northeast of the city center. Madrid’s airport is also in close proximity to the circuit.