Full Breakdown
Madrid Welcomes First Spanish Grand Prix on the New Madring Circuit
9/10/2026, 12:15:38 AM
Core Event – Inaugural 2026 Spanish Grand Prix at Madring
The 2026 Formula 1 season will close its European leg with the first Spanish Grand Prix on the new Madring circuit in Madrid. The race is scheduled for September 13 as a 57-lap event, with practice on September 11 and 12. Madrid secured a 10-year agreement in 2024, guaranteeing the Grand Prix each year through 2035.
Background & Context
The Spanish Grand Prix has been on the World Championship calendar since 1951, most recently at Barcelona-Catalunya since 1991. A 2024 deal moves the title to Madrid while Barcelona continues as the “Catalan Grand Prix,” rotating with Spa-Francorchamps from 2027. The last F1 race in the capital was at Jarama in 1981.
Circuit Features & Data
- Length: just over 5 km, lap time ~1 min 30 s.
- Corners: more than 20, including the 550-m banked right-hander “La Monumental” with a 24 % gradient and a 45,000-seat grandstand.
- Straight-mode zones: two active-aero zones on the start/finish straight and after Turn 3; the rest runs in full down-force.
- Infrastructure: the track weaves around the IFEMA exhibition centre and Valdebebas district, minutes from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, and is served by Metro Line 8, commuter rail and bus services. No general spectator parking is provided; fans are encouraged to use public transport.
Official Statements & Responses
The FIA noted the two straight-mode zones and that active aero will be disabled in the second and third sectors. Craig Wilson, Head of Vehicle Performance at F1, said the design process involved 24 track models and numerous sub-variant studies.
Allan McNish, Racing Director of the Audi Revolut F1 Team, highlighted the need for “effective preparation” on a circuit with no prior race data. Nico Hulkenberg called the weekend “an exciting challenge” requiring rapid learning.
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur said a July filming day left the track “mega green” and described it as “tricky” with limited overtaking.
Team Preparations & Perspectives
Audi’s McNish and driver Gabriel Bortoleto stressed simulator work, noting their strong performance at Monza raised hopes for points in Madrid. McNish warned that the “unknown” element of a brand-new circuit demands efficiency in every practice session.
Ferrari’s Vasseur warned that the “dusty” surface and recent F3 testing could make sessions harder and affect tyre behaviour.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella compared Madring to the high-speed Jeddah circuit, citing close walls and high-speed chicanes as tests of driver precision.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is what has impressed me the most,” — Carlos Sainz
- “Madrid will be a new challenge for everyone, and there is always an added element of the unknown when we arrive at a circuit for the first time,” — Allan McNish
- “From the very first idea to today’s circuit, there were 24 track models, but beyond that there were also numerous studies of sub-variants and various detailed considerations,” — Craig Wilson
What’s Next
The weekend schedule: September 11 – practice 1 & 2; September 12 – practice 3 and qualifying; September 13 – race at 14:00 BST (15:00 local). With the 10-year contract in place, Madring will host the Spanish Grand Prix annually through 2035. Teams head into the final European round with limited data, making adaptability the key factor for success.
