Santander fuels Formula 1 Expansion: A Deep Dive into the Madrid Grand Prix & Spain’s Racing Future
(Last updated: December 24, 2025)
Formula 1 is accelerating its global growth, and a key driver of that momentum is a strengthened partnership with Banco Santander. The Spanish financial giant has solidified its commitment to the pinnacle of motorsport, becoming a Founding Partner of the all-new Formula 1 TAG Heuer Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, set to debut in september 2026. This isn’t just a sponsorship; it’s a strategic alignment that signals a significant shift in F1’s landscape and a deepening investment in the Spanish sports market.
Why Madrid? A New Chapter for Formula 1 in Spain
For years, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has been the customary home of the Spanish Grand Prix. However, the allure of a street circuit in the vibrant capital city of Madrid proved irresistible to Formula 1 and its commercial rights holder, Liberty Media. The Madrid race will replace the Italian Grand Prix at Imola on the 24-race 2026 calendar, demonstrating F1’s willingness to explore new venues and maximize its global reach.
This move isn’t about abandoning Barcelona, though. Reports suggest a potential contract renewal for the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, perhaps extending its run until 2032, albeit potentially on a rotational basis with the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. This highlights a growing trend within F1: a strategic rotation model designed to balance the excitement of new locations with the preservation of historic European circuits. The proposed annual hosting fee for Barcelona is estimated at €28 million, reflecting liberty Media’s increasing commercial demands.
santander: More Than Just a Sponsor – A Long-Term Vision
Santander’s involvement with Formula 1 extends far beyond a simple logo placement. The bank has been an official partner of the championship since the beginning of 2025, and this new Founding Partner role in Madrid represents a natural progression of that relationship.
Juan Manuel Cendoya, Global head of Communications, corporate Marketing and Research of Santander and Vice chair of Santander Spain, emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership: “this agreement is a natural step in our commitment to Formula 1.Madrid is such a vibrant, thriving city, and the bank wants to support this world-class event and offer our customers unique experiences as we do at the Grands Prix in our core markets, which generate significant economic impact for the host cities. Spain is one of those markets, with two races scheduled for next year.”
This statement underscores Santander’s focus on leveraging F1 to enhance brand visibility, drive customer engagement, and contribute to the economic vitality of the host cities. The bank’s activation plans include prominent circuit branding, support for official F1 content, and exclusive on-site experiences for Santander customers and Formula 1 fans.
The Madrid Circuit: A Modern Spectacle
The Madrid Grand Prix will unfold on the “Madring,” a 5.47-kilometer (3.39-mile) hybrid circuit constructed around the IFEMA Madrid exhibition center, conveniently located near the city’s airport. Designed to deliver thrilling racing action, the track boasts 20 corners and is expected to attract massive crowds.
José Vicente de los Mozos, Chairman of the Executive Committee of IFEMA MADRID, stated: “IFEMA Madrid is delighted to welcome Santander as a Founding Partner of the Spanish Grand Prix. Having a partner of this calibre is essential to driving forward an event that will mark a turning point in the history of F1 in Spain.”
Organizers are anticipating initial daily attendance exceeding 110,000 spectators, with ambitious plans to expand capacity to 140,000, positioning Madrid as one of the highest-capacity venues on the Formula 1 calendar. The circuit will also feature a premium paddock complex
