In Madrid, ticket sales for the debut Formula 1 Grand Prix have reached 97% — with 90,000 seats sold. Organizers call this a technical sold out and hope the event will become a key milestone for Ifema as an international venue for major events. According to Ifema Madrid head José Vicente de los Mozos, the success of the race should cement the exhibition center’s status as a “premium brand” and open doors to new global projects.
Finance and infrastructure
In 2025, Ifema reported revenues of €216.8 million and net profits of €18.7 million. This is 22% higher compared to the last comparable year. By 2026, revenues are expected to exceed €300 million. Organizers stress that all investments in the Grand Prix are covered by Ifema’s own funds, without any budget money — an issue closely monitored by the opposition in Madrid.
The main construction work on the circuit is scheduled for completion by May 25. After that, stands will be assembled and VIP zones built, which are expected to generate up to €60 million annually. The expansion of the VIP sector sets the Madrid event apart from other European circuits and is considered critical for the project’s financial model.
Logistics and challenges
Organizing the race comes with challenges: some residents of neighboring districts have expressed dissatisfaction due to the proximity of the track to their homes, and gas station owners fear losses. Ifema states that they maintain ongoing dialogue with residents and are developing traffic schemes to ensure access to housing and minimize traffic burden. It is expected that 80% of spectators will arrive by metro; for the rest, park-and-ride lots and shuttles will be provided.
Construction work has already affected the schedule of some Ifema events, including the Malinche musical and open-air festivals. Dozens of crews are currently working on the exhibition center grounds, and the usual infrastructure has been temporarily reconfigured for the needs of Formula 1.
External risks and expectations
At the same time, organizers are closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East, where Formula 1 races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were canceled due to military actions. According to de los Mosos, no direct impact is expected on the Madrid leg, and interest in the race continues to grow. Ifema believes that some fans who had planned to attend the canceled events may now choose Madrid.
Organizers emphasize that the Madrid Grand Prix will be the first Formula 1 race where artificial intelligence will be used for data analysis. This should demonstrate Ifema’s technological capabilities and increase its appeal for future international events.
