The moment has arrived: this weekend the Spanish Grand Prix makes its debut on the urban circuit of Madrid beside IFEMA. From Friday, September 11 to Sunday, September 13, the single-seaters will roar on this new track, rushed to completion since August 18.
Those attending the Madring event should be aware that no outside food or drink may be brought into the venue, not even a bottle of water. And we already know the “popular” prices for refreshments: it doesn’t reach the 14 euros charged for a beer in Monaco, but the cheapest sandwich costs 12 euros. Facua has filed a complaint about this prohibition with the Consumer Affairs department.
A sandwich and a bottle of water, almost 20 euros
In its FAQ section, the Madring organizers are blunt: “entrance to the venue with own food and drink is not allowed”. As these items are included among the so-called “prohibited objects,” attendees are warned there will be checks at the entrances. And entry may be refused to those who fail to comply unless they voluntarily surrender them.
It should be noted that the race is at 15:00 and forecasts predict a maximum of 32 ºC in Madrid on Sunday. In short, around the mealtime or just after. And with those temperatures, water becomes a basic necessity. Attendees will have no choice but to dig into their pockets.
The YouTuber Nil Ojeda, who entered the venue, has shown in this video the prices of food at Madring, which echo posts on social networks such as Jairof1humor or Fórmula Directa. The offerings are located in the rear area, in the fan zone, next to merchandising booths and various shops. We’re talking about an event whose tickets range from 300 to 1,500 euros, so no, eating or drinking there won’t be cheap.
The cheapest items include 3.50 euros for a bottle of water and snack bags, such as ham-flavored Ruffles or Doritos Tex Mex. The beer, Heineken with alcohol and 0.0, costs 7 euros. Soft drinks run 4.50 euros. Turning to food, a hot dog will be priced at 11.50 euros (and it comes with fries), while the sandwiches range from 11.95 euros for a vegan option to 13.95 euros for one with acorn-fed ham. Crispy bacon fries with cheese sauce: 9 euros. Nachos with guacamole: 11 euros.
Complaint to Consumption: “does not respond to safety or other objective reasons”
In events like these, as with festivals or themed exhibitions, eating and drinking inside is not usually cheap. The problem is that it may be the only way to refresh or nourish oneself inside. Thus, Facua has announced that it has just filed a complaint against the Madring organization with the Directorate-General of the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumption and the 2030 Agenda for prohibiting attendees from entering the venue with food and drink.
From the consumer organization’s view, it represents a restriction of users’ rights, since eating and drinking inside the venue is allowed. And that this prohibition “does not respond to safety, hygiene, or any other objective reason that could justify it.”
Facua also recalls that prohibiting entry with foods or drinks purchased outside has recently been fined as abusive by the Ministry of Consumption. Specifically, in July 2026: a fine of 320,000 euros was imposed on the Reggaeton Beach Festival organization.
Images | FIA, Fórmula Directa on X
