Madrid prepares to light up the calendar of the Formula 1 with the arrival of the Spanish Grand Prix scheduled from 2026. This event follows an ambitious agreement concluded between Ifema et Match Hospitalitya global leader in organizing VIP experiences for sporting events. Sources within the Swiss multinational, recognized for its expertise during the Football World Cups, confirmed this information to our colleagues at
This is the same company that organizes the Grand Prix of Great Britain of F1 as well as tournaments such as the Masters Series tennis. The investment for this Madrid event amounts to 400 million eurostransforming it into an exclusive and high-end experience.
According to the same sources, Match will take care of the design, production and marketing of premium services for the GP, including transport, catering, access to reserved areas, and the creation of unique experiences for participants.
With 15 000 places VIPthe Ifema Grand Prix will position itself among the events offering the most premium tickets in the world of F1. This strategy aims to make the Madrid race an event that goes beyond the sporting framework, attracting an audience with strong purchasing power and promoting Madrid as a luxury tourist destination.
Match’s expertise
Match Hospitality, which managed the VIP areas during the World Cup in Qatar and the recent Women’s World Cup in Australia, was able to beat competitors such as Legends, responsible for the VIP boxes at the Santiago Bernabéu, and the company managing the Metropolitano stadium. His experience in major international events also includes the organization of the intercontinental final scheduled for Wednesday in Doha, where Real Madrid will face Pachuca.
This partnership with the Swiss company represents an innovative financing model for Formula 1 in Spain. Unlike the Catalan race, which depended on 35 million euros annually in public funds, the Madrid Grand Prix relies on private investment. Ifema and the local authorities — the city hall and the community of Madrid — seek to guarantee the profitability of the event without resorting to public funds.
A project under development
Construction work on the circuit, which will receive approval from the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, will begin in spring 2025. Tickets — VIP and general — will go on sale in 2026, once the official date of the Grand Prix is confirmed, initially planned for September, although Ifema hopes to organize it in May.
This partnership with Match Hospitality not only guarantees an event on par with the best in the world, but also strengthens Madrid as a major host city for international events, consolidating its attractiveness as a destination of choice.
Good to know
- Match Hospitality has managed VIPs for other major sporting events, including tennis competitions.
- The Madrid Grand Prix is also intended to be a vector to boost the local economy.
- The official date of the race will be announced after the necessary validations by the FIA.
