The Madrid F1 Spanish Grand Prix is preparing for its debut with figures reflecting enormous interest and a potentially substantial economic impact on the Spanish capital. A new PwC study has raised its forecast, estimating that the event will contribute €467 million to Madrid’s economy and create 8,850 jobs.
The updated calculations are based on actual ticket-sales data and investments already made to organise the Grand Prix, rather than purely theoretical projections. With more than 120,000 grandstand and VIP tickets already sold, the event scheduled for 11–13 September is also demonstrating significant international appeal before Formula 1 arrives in Madrid.
Madrid F1 Grand Prix expected to deliver €467m economic boost
The Grand Prix is expected to generate an economic stimulus equivalent to 5.7% of the direct gross value added produced by the recreational activities sector in the Community of Madrid. It is also forecast to deliver approximately €83 million through tax revenue and Social Security contributions.
Ticket sales are progressing rapidly, with the total for grandstands and VIP areas already exceeding 120,000. Organisers expect the event to attract more than 80,000 fans from other parts of Spain, alongside approximately 45,000 international visitors, underlining the worldwide appeal of Madrid’s new Formula 1 Grand Prix.
José Vicente de los Mozos highlights value for Madrid and Spain
José Vicente de los Mozos, president of the IFEMA Madrid Executive Committee, emphasised that the report confirms the event’s potential to become a major generator of wealth for the region. IFEMA Madrid has played a central role in developing the Spanish capital’s Formula 1 project.
“The Grand Prix’s extraordinary ability to generate economic value confirms our organisation’s commitment as one of the Region’s main economic drivers, while also highlighting the contribution made to the Madrid and Spain brands by an event that has generated 73 billion impressions worldwide since its launch,” José Vicente de los Mozos said.
José Vicente de los Mozos also underlined the strength of the data used in the assessment. “This analysis is particularly valuable because it is based on verified figures, not assumptions. It shows that for every euro of economic activity directly linked to the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix, approximately €3.90 is generated across Madrid’s wider economy, which undoubtedly justifies the organisational effort we have dedicated to this project.”
PwC explains the wider economic potential
Jordi Esteve, PwC partner responsible for the firm’s Economics practice, explained that the estimates demonstrate the Grand Prix’s potential to become an important driver of Madrid’s economy.
“According to the preliminary estimates, the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid will have a very significant capacity to generate socioeconomic value, not only through its direct activity but also through its ability to drive growth in other sectors of the regional economy,” Jordi Esteve said.
Jordi Esteve stressed that this remains a pre-event assessment. Once the Grand Prix has concluded, PwC will conduct a follow-up study comparing these forecasts with the final data, allowing the definitive economic impact of Formula 1’s arrival in Madrid to be measured more accurately.
Hospitality, transport and manufacturing among main beneficiaries
The study identifies hospitality and catering as the leading beneficiary, with a projected impact of €59 million. Transport follows at €22 million, while the retail sector is expected to gain €18 million.
The effects are forecast to extend far beyond tourism. Organising the event itself is expected to stimulate the manufacturing industry by approximately €72 million, construction by €50 million and professional services by €33 million. The information and communications technology sector could receive a further boost of around €19 million.
Madrid’s race forms part of the 2026 Formula 1 calendar, giving the Spanish capital an opportunity to combine a major international sporting event with substantial regional investment, employment and global exposure.
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