The Madring circuit in Madrid is gearing up to host its first-ever Formula 1® Grand Prix, scheduled for September 11-13, 2026. This event will mark a significant milestone for the Spanish capital, bringing top-tier motorsport back to the city with a new venue designed to combine the excitement of a street circuit with the features of a permanent racing track.
Recent photos of the Madring circuit reveal the ongoing progress in its construction and preparation. The track layout includes 22 corners, highlighted by a distinctive banked turn known as La Monumental. The design aims to challenge drivers with a mix of technical sections and high-speed straights, where cars are expected to reach speeds up to 340 kph. This blend of characteristics is intended to provide a dynamic racing experience for both drivers and fans.
Madrid has a history with Formula 1®, having previously hosted races at the Jarama circuit. However, the new Madring venue is more centrally located within the city, offering improved accessibility and a fresh setting for the championship. Earlier in 2026, Ferrari became the first team to run a Formula 1® car on the circuit during a filming day in July, marking an important step in the track’s development. Carlos Sainz, a Spanish driver and Ferrari team member, completed the initial laps on the track earlier in the year, providing an early glimpse of what the circuit has to offer.
The combination of street and permanent track elements at Madring is expected to create a unique challenge for teams and drivers alike. The circuit’s layout with its numerous corners will test car balance and driver skill, while the long straights will push the limits of power units and aerodynamic efficiency. The inclusion of the banked corner La Monumental adds a distinctive feature that could influence racing lines and overtaking opportunities.
As the 2026 Formula 1® World Championship calendar takes shape, the Spanish Grand Prix at Madring will be the 14th round of the season. This positioning within the championship schedule offers teams a mid-to-late season race that could play a strategic role in their campaigns. The event’s September date places it in a period of the year that typically features stable weather conditions in Madrid, which may contribute to consistent racing conditions.
With Ferrari’s early involvement in testing the circuit and Carlos Sainz’s participation in the initial laps, the venue has already attracted attention within the paddock. While detailed technical assessments and strategic insights are yet to emerge, the preparations and track features suggest a venue designed to blend the excitement of urban racing with the demands of modern Formula 1® competition.
The upcoming Spanish Grand Prix at Madring will offer a fresh chapter in the sport’s calendar, reflecting Formula 1®’s ongoing expansion and the appeal of new locations. The developments at the circuit and its integration into the championship schedule provide a clear indication of the sport’s direction in the coming years.