Formula 1 Monza and Madrid 2026 is a unique opportunity for motorsport fans from the UAE. In just one trip, you can attend two Grands Prix: the legendary Monza on 4-6 September and the debut Madrid round on 11-13 September 2026. The gap between races is exactly one week, making it an ideal chance to enjoy a double racing weekend. We’ll explain how to plan this journey, where to stay, and what you need to know about tickets and visas.
The 2026 double-header at a glance
The trip concept is simple: fly from Dubai to Milan, enjoy the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, then move on to Madrid and witness a historic event — the first Formula 1 Grand Prix in the Spanish capital in 45 years. For a UAE-based fan, this is an excellent way to maximise the thrill in a single holiday.
| Grand Prix | Date | Circuit | Feature |
| Italian Grand Prix | 4–6 September 2026 | Autodromo Nazionale Monza | Temple of Speed |
| Spanish Grand Prix | 11–13 September 2026 | MADRING (IFEMA) | Debut round, new circuit |
Italian GP at Monza: the temple of speed
A trip to Monza is a major event for any Formula 1 fan. The Monza circuit is one of the oldest in the world and rightly bears the title of Temple of Speed. The 5.793-kilometre track with 11 corners is renowned for its long straights, where cars reach maximum velocity. Legendary corners like Parabolica and Ascari are a true test for drivers and an incredible spectacle for spectators. The Monza race always has a special atmosphere, a sea of red from Ferrari fans, and an unforgettable energy.
Madrid GP at MADRING: F1’s newest circuit
Unlike historic Monza, the MADRING circuit in Madrid is a completely new challenge for all teams. It’s located around the IFEMA exhibition centre and marks Formula 1’s return to the Spanish capital after a long absence. The new layout is approximately 5.4 kilometres long and features 22 corners. One of the main highlights of the new track is the Monumental banked curve with up to 24% banking (13.5 degrees), which promises to be one of the most exciting overtaking spots. Attending the first Grand Prix in Madrid is a chance to become part of Formula 1 history.
Weekend schedules and support races
Both race weekends will follow the standard Formula 1 schedule: free practice on Friday, qualifying on Saturday, and the race on Sunday. Alongside the main event, spectators will enjoy support races — Formula 2 and Formula 3, which add drama and tension to the track. At Monza, the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup series also performs. Exact start times should be checked on the official Formula 1 website closer to the event date.
Tickets for Monza and Madrid
Tickets for both Grands Prix should be booked well in advance.
Monza: at the Temple of Speed, there is traditionally a wide choice of tickets — from General Admission (unreserved spots without seats) to grandstands with named seating. For example, there are packages including accommodation in a 4-star hotel and a Sunday race ticket (General Admission).
Madrid: for the debut Grand Prix, tickets are sold only as 3-day passes. This means you’ll have track access for the entire weekend from Friday to Sunday. Grandstands are divided by sector, for example Gold on the main straight or Silver/Bronze at the famous banked curve. Prices for 3-day passes can be found on official platform.
The week in between: Milan to Madrid
You have several free days from 7 to 10 September to move comfortably from Italy to Spain. The fastest and most convenient way is a flight from Milan to Madrid, taking about 2.5 hours. This time can be used for a short break or sightseeing in either city. You could stay a couple of days in Milan to enjoy Italian cuisine and shopping, or alternatively fly to Madrid early to settle in and explore the Spanish capital before the F1 fans arrive.
How to get there, where to stay and fan tips
Getting there from the UAE
From Dubai, the most convenient way is to plan a multi-city flight itinerary:
- Dubai → Milan. Flights arrive at Malpensa (MXP), Linate (LIN) or Bergamo (BGY) airports. From there, Monza can be reached by train or taxi.
- Milan → Madrid. The flight between cities takes about 2.5 hours.
- Madrid → Dubai. Departure from Barajas Airport (MAD).
Where to stay
In Italy, it’s better to choose a hotel in Milan, as the accommodation options there are significantly greater. Monza is easily accessible by train or taxi from Milan. Options range from budget hotels to luxurious apartments in the city centre, around the Brera district. There are also package deals including 4-star hotel accommodation and race tickets.
In Spain, considering that the MADRING circuit is directly at the IFEMA exhibition centre, it’s most convenient to stay near the Feria de Madrid metro station. Central Madrid also has many excellent hotels at various levels. For large groups, there are options to rent entire villas with a pool, for example a 5-minute walk from the track.
Transfers to the circuits
At Monza, trains run from Milan to the circuit. On Grand Prix days, additional services operate and shuttles are organised from the station to the park entrance.
In Madrid, the MADRING circuit is accessible by metro, train, bus or taxi.
September weather and packing
In early September, Italy and Spain enjoy warm, comfortable weather, ideal for spending extended time outdoors. However, you should pack light clothing as well as a warmer jacket for the evening, plus a hat and sunscreen.
Which country to apply to for a Schengen visa for UAE residents
The main rule for UAE residents applying for a Schengen visa is to contact the consulate of your main country of stay within the Schengen Area. You can find detailed information about obtaining a visa for Spain in this article. Information about the Italian visa can be found on this page.
The main rule: the country with the most nights
You apply at the consulate of the country where you plan to spend the most nights. If you’re flying to Europe only for the Italian and Spanish Grands Prix, the application logic depends on your itinerary.
| Itinerary | Where to apply | Why |
| Only Italy (Monza) — 5 nights, Spain (Madrid) — 4 nights | Italy | You spend more nights in Italy |
| Italy — 4 nights, Spain — 5 nights | Spain | You spend more nights in Spain |
| Italy and Spain — equal, 4 nights each, and first entry is Italy | Italy | With equal nights, apply to the country of first entry |
| Italy and Spain — equal, 4 nights each, and first entry is Spain | Spain | With equal nights, apply to the country of first entry |
In your case, the route looks like this: Dubai → Milan (Italy) → Madrid (Spain) → Dubai. If you spend more days in Italy — apply to Italy. If more in Spain — apply to Spain. If nights are equal — apply to the country you arrive in first (Italy).
Visa fees and processing times
| Fee | Cost |
| Consular fee (adults, 12+) | €90 (~AED 370) |
| Consular fee (children 6–11) | €45 (~AED 185) |
| Consular fee (children under 6) | Free |
| Service fee | ~AED 150-200 |
All fees are non-refundable, even in case of refusal.
A decision is usually made within 15 calendar days. In complex cases or if additional verification is needed, the period may be extended to 45 days. During summer months and before holidays (e.g. Eid al-Adha), processing times may increase to 6-8 weeks.
Why apply for a Schengen visa through our service?
Applying for a Schengen visa is a standard procedure but nevertheless requires very careful preparation. We know the UAE very well. We understand the specifics of submitting documents through local visa application centres and what visa officers typically look for when reviewing applications. We help you to prepare a clear covering letter explaining circumstances.
Need fast, professional visa assistance?
Contact our team
The Italian Grand Prix at Monza will take place from 4 to 6 September 2026.
The debut Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid will take place from 11 to 13 September 2026.
Yes, this is possible. The gap between races is one week, allowing you to attend both rounds by planning the transfer between them.
The fastest way is a flight, which takes approximately 2.5 hours.
UAE nationals can stay in Schengen countries visa-free for up to 90 days. UAE residents with passports from other countries will most likely need a Schengen visa to visit Italy and Spain.
Yes — if you need a Schengen visa, you can sort your Schengen visa with us. We handle the paperwork and guide you through the process. Please note: the final decision rests with the embassy, and we do not guarantee approval.
