The 2026 FORMULA 1 TAG HEUER SPANISH GRAND PRIX, to be held this weekend at IFEMA, will debut its own payment system in Madrid for purchasing food, drinks, merchandise, and experiences within MADRING. During the event, cash will not be accepted at the circuit’s concession stands: attendees will have to use MAD-Coins, MADRING’s official digital currency.
Each MAD-Coin is worth one euro and is loaded onto a wristband linked to the ticket. The system will allow attendees to pay without having to take out their wallet or use a bank card for every purchase, but it also requires them to decide in advance how much money they want to spend on food and drinks during the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix.
What are MAD-Coins?
MAD-Coins are prepaid credits that function as the official currency within MADRING. The exchange rate is simple: 1 MAD-Coin = 1 €
They can be used to pay for food, drinks, merchandise, and certain experiences available within the festival grounds. To complete a purchase, simply hold the wristband up to the payment terminal at the corresponding booth, bar, restaurant, or store.
Credit can be purchased online before the Grand Prix or directly at the venue. However, purchasing in advance grants access to promotional packs with extra credit during the promotional period.
How to purchase and load your balance
The planned procedure is as follows:
- Purchase MAD-Coins through MADRING’s official channels before arriving at the venue or buy them once inside.
- Keep the QR code associated with the purchase.
- Pick up the event-linked wristband upon arrival at the venue by showing your ticket.
- Visit one of the top-up or linking stations.
- Scan the QR code to load the balance onto the wristband.
- Pay by holding the wristband near the readers installed at the points of sale.
Packages and bonuses
MADRING sells credits in packs. The amounts and bonuses announced for advance purchases are:
- Basic: 50 € for 50 MAD-Coins.
- Pit Stop: 100 € for 105 MAD-Coins.
- Full Throttle: 150 € for 165 MAD-Coins.
The incentive increases with the purchase amount: those who buy the 100-euro pack receive 5 additional MAD-Coins, and those who purchase the 150-euro pack get 15 as a gift. The promotion is valid for a limited time, so it’s a good idea to check the current terms and conditions before making a purchase.
Can you get a refund for any money you don’t spend?
Yes, but with one important caveat. Any MAD-Coins that have been purchased but not used can be refunded after the Grand Prix, with no minimum refund amount. Promotional credits included in the packs will not be refunded.
Refunds are processed after the event and may take up to 15 days to reach the original payment method.
The recommendation is not to load much more money than you expect to spend. Although the amount paid can be refunded, requesting a refund involves an additional step, and complimentary MAD-Coins are only valid if used within the venue.