There are 62 days left until the Madring circuit hosts the Formula 1 Grand Prix at Ifema. More than 100,000 grandstand seats have already been sold, 32% from abroad, and the paddock club is full with 3,600 people.
Ifema Madrid has entered the final stretch of the countdown to host the Formula 1 Grand Prix. There are exactly 62 days left until the chequered flag waves at the Madring circuit, an event that the President of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, described as "one of the most significant moments the community has had in decades".
The project, driven by the President of Ifema Madrid, José Vicente de los Mozos, started over three years ago with the idea of giving an alternative use to the fair facilities. 80% of spectators will be able to reach the circuit by public transport, which is 10 minutes from the airport and has 300,000 square meters and 12 pavilions.
Sales and visitor profile
Of the 350,000 total seats for the event, more than 100,000 grandstand seats have already been sold, which represents a "technical sell-out", according to De los Mozos. 32% of the tickets have been purchased from abroad, with the United Kingdom, the United States, Mexico, and France as the main source markets.
The paddock club, with a capacity for 3,600 people, is full and 75% of its attendees are international. In the hospitality area, the capacity reaches 15,000 people, "more than double that of any circuit in Europe," highlighted the President of Ifema. 45,000 international visitors and 35,000 from other parts of Spain are expected during the weekend.
The average spending per visitor is estimated at 1,680 euros during the F1 weekend, a figure that will directly benefit hotels, restaurants, shops, and transport in the capital. "It will impact all sectors," assured Ángel Asensio, President of the Madrid Chamber of Commerce.
Economic impact and employment
The Grand Prix will generate 8,200 direct jobs and an annual economic impact of 450 million euros, with a positive fiscal impact of 35 million. According to the organisers, the event represents 0.4% of the GDP of the Community of Madrid and 4% of the GDP of the City Council of Madrid in just one weekend.
"With just the sponsors, we will pay for all the circuit's infrastructures," stated De los Mozos, who cited among the sponsors Banco Santander, Atlético de Madrid, El Corte Inglés, Heineken, and Aqualy. Additionally, the project has accelerated the physical expansion of Ifema, with the urbanisation of the northern area of Valdebebas.
President Ayuso thanked De los Mozos for his drive and highlighted that Madrid "does not receive any state subsidies" despite hosting international competitions. "We contribute eight out of every 10 euros we collect," she recalled at the Forum of the New Economy.
The challenge of continuity
De los Mozos warned that the second year of a Grand Prix is more challenging than the first, "which already generates anticipation." Therefore, he considers it crucial to "learn from the mistakes we will have" so that attendance in 2027 is even greater. They are already working on a 'business paddock', an innovative fair concept with brand exhibitions, to ensure that the Grand Prix remains in Madrid beyond the initially agreed 10 years.
For the residents of the capital, the event will mean a week of parallel activities, concerts by yet-to-be-announced artists, and 'afternoon' experiences in the pavilions of Ifema. "All of Madrid will be integrated into the Grand Prix," assured De los Mozos, who is studying with the Community and the City Council how to extend the atmosphere throughout the city.
The goal is clear: to make Madring the "benchmark Grand Prix in Europe", as predicted by its initiator. Fans can already check the official website to purchase the last available tickets and plan their visit.
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