F2 and F3 set to race in Madrid from 2026
The Spanish Formula 1 Grand Prix that will move to Madrid in two years' time will also host the FIA Formula 2 and FIA Formula 3 races from 2026 to at least 2035.
The sport has now confirmed that the Spanish Formula 1 Grand Prix that will move from Barcelona to Madrid from 2026 to 2035, will also feature its two main feeder series, the Formula 2 and the Formula 3 championships.
This ten-year agreement that will bring the lower-tier F1 categories to Madrid was signed by FIA F2 and FIA F3 CEO Bruno Michel, José Vicente de los Mozos, President of the Executive Committee of IFEMA MADRID, Daniel Martínez, Executive Vice-President of IFEMA
MADRID and Luis García Abad, General Director of F1 IFEMA Madrid.
The F2 and F3 communicated: "Having Formula 2 and Formula 3 racing on the same weekend as Formula 1 underscores the commitment of the Spanish GP organizers to deliver an unparalleled sporting and entertainment experience for fans. The event will take place at the IFEMA MADRID Circuit, located around the Exhibition Centre and Valdebebas."
The FIA F2 Championship was launched in 2017, succeeding the GP2 Series, which had been running since 2005. Originally created to support Formula 1 events and nurture young talent, the GP2 Series and its successor, F2, have been instrumental in producing F1 stars.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton entered Formula 1 after winning GP2 in 2006. Charles Leclerc (2017 F2 champion), George
Russell (2018), Oscar Piastri (2021), and Franco Colapinto—who was promoted mid-season from F2 to Williams’ official F1 team —are further examples of this successful progression.
Similarly, the FIA F3 Championship has played a key role in identifying and promoting young talents in global motorsport. Since its inception in 2019, the category has seen notable winners George Russell (2017), Oscar Piastri (2021) and Gabriel Bortoleto (2023), all of whom progressed directly to F2 and beyond.
Commenting on the announcement, F2/F3 CEO Bruno Michel said: “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.”
Speaking of the decision, José Vicente de los Mozos highlighted: “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.”
