F1 Spanish Grand Prix 2026: Madrid gets ready for a new era
Formula 1 is heading somewhere very different this weekend as the Spanish Grand Prix makes its long-awaited move to Madrid and a brand-new circuit prepares to host its first-ever Grand Prix.
From 11–13 September 2026, the world's fastest motorsport series will descend on the Spanish capital for the inaugural race at MADRING — a spectacular new 5.4km, 22-corner circuit that combines permanent-track features with sections designed to deliver the atmosphere of a street race.
For g10 F1, this is one of the most intriguing weekends of the 2026 F1 season.
A new home for the Spanish Grand Prix
The Spanish Grand Prix has a new identity. After decades of racing at other Spanish venues, including Barcelona-Catalunya, Formula 1 returns to Madrid for the first time in more than 45 years. The new Madrid event is currently scheduled to remain on the F1 calendar through 2035, giving the capital a decade-long opportunity to establish itself as one of the sport's major destinations
And MADRING is certainly not a conventional circuit. The track, located around the IFEMA Madrid exhibition centre, measures approximately 5.4km and features 22 corners, with long straights, heavy braking zones, fast flowing sections and significant elevation changes.
Meet La Monumental
One of the biggest talking points is Turn 12 — La Monumental. The huge banked section is expected to become one of the defining corners of the F1 calendar. Formula 1 describes it as a semicircular section stretching around half a kilometre, with banking of up to 24%. Cars will attack the corner at high speed while thousands of fans watch from the surrounding grandstands. It could provide some spectacular television — and potentially one of the biggest challenges for the drivers.
A completely new challenge
The first official laps have already given drivers a taste of what MADRING has to offer. Spanish favourite Carlos Sainz was the first driver to complete a lap of the fully asphalted circuit, describing a layout featuring long straights, heavy braking zones and fast sequences of corners. Ferrari subsequently became the first team to run a current F1 car at the circuit during a filming day, with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton sharing the SF-26. But nobody truly knows what to expect when qualifying begins.
With no historical F1 race data at MADRING, teams will have to build their setups and strategies from scratch. Understanding tyre behaviour, braking points, kerbs, temperatures and the demands of the banking could prove crucial.
The weekend
The action begins on Friday 11 September, with the opening practice sessions, followed by final practice and qualifying on Saturday. Then comes the moment everyone has been waiting for. Sunday 13 September — the first-ever Spanish Grand Prix at MADRING. The race will be contested over 57 laps, covering more than 308km, with the official F1 race scheduled for 15:00 local time.
One of the races of the season?
There is a genuine sense that Madrid could deliver something special. A brand-new circuit means no established pecking order. Drivers cannot simply rely on years of experience at the venue, while engineers have limited real-world data from which to work. That could make the opening Spanish Grand Prix at MADRING a fascinating combination of speed, strategy and discovery. And away from the circuit, Madrid itself provides the perfect backdrop. One of Europe's great cities will be transformed into an F1 destination, with fans descending on the Spanish capital for a weekend combining motorsport, nightlife, culture, food and entertainment.
For Formula 1, it is the beginning of a new chapter. For Madrid, it is a chance to put itself firmly on the global sporting map.For Madrid, it is a chance to put itself firmly on the global sporting map. And for fans, there is only one question: What happens when the lights go out at MADRING for the very first time?
g10 F1 will be following the Spanish Grand Prix as Madrid welcomes Formula 1 to its spectacular new home.
All times and circuit information based on the current 2026 Formula 1 schedule and official circuit information