Full Breakdown
Madring Circuit Unveiled for September Grand Prix
6/16/2026, 9:08:10 PM
Core Unveiling and Track Features
On 16 June 2024, organizers revealed the 5.47-km Madring circuit, built around the IFEMA exhibition centre in Madrid’s northeast. The layout combines two long straights, an urban segment and a 24 % banked “Monumental” curve capable of 340 kph. The inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at the venue is slated for 11-13 September, following the Barcelona-Catalunya round.
Construction Progress and Timeline
Construction entered its 11th month in June, with the southern track completed and the northern parcel expected to finish within three weeks. Permanent pit-lane garages remain unfinished, while temporary grandstands and hospitality structures will be erected over the next six weeks. Night shifts are planned to offset July-August heat, and the final city-council inspection is set for 30 August.
Technical Specifications
The 5.47-km circuit features a 24 % banked curve designed for speeds up to 340 kph, alongside slower urban corners. FIA officials have conducted two safety inspections; a third, including water-blasting of the surface, is scheduled for mid-August.
Key Stakeholders
Spanish driver Carlos Sainz served as circuit ambassador at the unveiling. Carlos Jiménez, chief operations officer, oversees construction. Luis García Abad, general manager and former manager of Fernando Alonso, directs operations and sustainability. The FIA conducts safety oversight, while Madrid’s city council holds final approval.
Official Statements & Responses
Jiménez said the most complex construction phases are complete and buffer time has been built into the schedule. García Abad stressed the venue’s nine-minute city-centre access, arguing it meets the expectations of younger fans for convenience and sustainability. Sainz described the track as offering “a bit of everything” and being “different” from existing circuits.
Impact and Significance
Madring’s location near public transport and Barajas airport reduces travel time, potentially boosting attendance and lowering the event’s carbon footprint. The large fan zone and modern facilities align with Formula One’s strategy to attract a younger, mobility-focused audience.
Upcoming Tests and Final Checks
Formula Three cars will test the circuit in August, providing performance data before the Grand Prix. The city-council inspection on 30 August will determine final clearance for the September race.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's a circuit that has a bit of everything: fast, slow, an urban part, a much more open part,” — Carlos Sainz, F1 driver
- “We are in our 11th month of construction and the permits took 12,” — Carlos Jiménez, Chief Operations Officer
- “We might need to work during the nights," he said.” — Carlos Jiménez, Chief Operations Officer
- “The new generation are looking for these things. They don't want to drive and spend two hours to get to the circuit and the parking lot. This is totally different,” — Luis García Abad, General Manager
