A nine-year agreement has been reached between Madrid, Formula 2 and Formula 3. Madrid will host F2 and F3 races from 2026 to 2035.
F2 and F3 to Race at the Street Circuit of Madrid from 2026
Formula 2 and Formula 3 are set to expand their calendars with new opportunities.
Following a successful debut in Qatar this year, which provided fans with a thrilling show all weekend, the young drivers will debut at the new street circuit of Madrid in 2026.
Discovering New Venues
Formula 1 is continuously searching for new tracks around the world to host thrilling races.
Last year, the street circuit of Las Vegas was introduced. Initially, many drivers were sceptical of the track due to its simple layout, but their opinions soon changed. The 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix was a race to remember, featuring numerous overtakes, even on the final lap.
At the beginning of the year, F1 made another announcement for a new track. The IFEMA Madrid Circuit will be located around the Exhibition Centre and Valdebebas. It is located only 16 km from the centre of Spain’s capital city.
A map of the circuit has already been presented, showcasing a length of 5,474 meters and a proposal for 20 turns. It will be similar to the Miami International Autodrome, featuring a mix of street circuit elements and permanent setups.
The main goal in its preparations is to incorporate more banking and tunnels to enhance the excitement of the track.
A New Home for Formula 2 and Formula 3 in Madrid
After its announcement in the F1 calendar, the future of the feeder series that supported F1 in Spain became uncertain.
The Barcelona circuit is in negotiations with Formula 1 to maintain its spot on the calendar; however, with the entry of another circuit in Spain, the situation could be challenging for the organizers.
Consequently, the future of F2 and F3, which have raced in Spain since the establishment of the series, required a new venue for competition.
This led to the decision to move from the permanent circuit of Catalunya to the streets of Madrid. Starting in 2026, drivers and teams will face a new challenge and explore a different track where they can showcase their skills equally.
Catalunya is a familiar ground for everyone. It served as a testing venue for teams and drivers in the lower series throughout the season.
Last year, before heading to Imola, F2 and F3 drivers tested their cars in Barcelona in order to prepare for the race at the end of June.
In Madrid, they will find themselves in uncharted territory. Those who can minimize mistakes – crucial yet challenging in street circuits – will find themselves at the front of the grid.
Words from Above
Bruno Michel, Formula 2 and Formula 1 driver, commented on this news. He expressed his excitement to see how the cars and drivers adapt to a new circuit.
“I am extremely happy to bring F2 and F3 to Madrid, at this exciting new venue. It’s important that the young drivers in both our championships get to race on as many F1 tracks as possible.
With the addition of Madrid to the Formula 1 calendar, it was logical that F2 and F3 would follow suit. I am really looking forward to our cars providing the spectators with some thrilling racing.” – Bruno Michel.
Moreover, the decision was made with the support of José Vicente de los Mozos, President of the Executive Committee of IFEMA MADRID. He takes pride in hosting the feeder series, which have consistently demonstrated to be an excellent training ground for future F1 drivers.
“At IFEMA Madrid, we are very proud to bring F2 and F3 to our Grand Prix alongside F1, as our goal is to make the F1 Spanish Grand Prix 2026-2035 the best event possible.
The FIA F2 and FIA F3 categories are fundamental for the future of the sport, as they produce the future stars of F1. This makes the Spanish Grand Prix 2026-2035 an even more unmissable event, offering fans a complete experience full of talent, spectacle, and excitement, with a unique motorsport offering.” – José Vicente de los Mozos.
As a result, the excitement is palpable. All that remains is to wait and discover what this new track has to offer, even for the younger generations.
