The Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix moves to Madrid for the first time on 11 to 13 September 2026, with the newly built Madring circuit hosting round 17 of the World Championship. This marks Formula 1’s return to the Spanish capital after more than 45 years and the debut of one of the most ambitious new venues on the calendar, a hybrid street-permanent circuit built around the IFEMA exhibition centre.
What to Expect
The Madring is a 5.474-kilometre circuit with 22 corners, combining public roads with permanent racing infrastructure. Its signature feature is La Monumental, a 500-metre banked corner with a 24% gradient that promises to be the longest turn in Formula 1, generating sustained g-forces and providing spectacular viewing from the wraparound grandstand. The layout also includes a fast Esses section, two tunnels, and a slower Park section at the end of the lap. Pit and paddock facilities are housed within the IFEMA exhibition halls.
With 2026’s radical new regulations in play, featuring active aerodynamics, lighter cars, and a 50:50 power split between combustion and electrical energy, the Madring’s mix of high-speed sections and tight corners will test every aspect of the new-generation machinery. George Russell and Mercedes, Max Verstappen with Red Bull-Ford, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, and McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are all expected to be in contention. The Spanish Grand Prix has historically been dominated by Lewis Hamilton (six wins) and Max Verstappen (four wins), though both achieved those victories at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, which hosted the race from 1991 to 2025.
How to Watch
In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports F1 broadcasts every session live. In the United States, Apple TV holds exclusive rights to the 2026 season, with F1 TV bundled at no extra cost. In Spain, DAZN and Movistar Plus carry live Formula 1 coverage. F1 TV Pro is available in most other territories worldwide. The race is scheduled for 15:00 CEST (14:00 BST, 09:00 ET) on Sunday 13 September.
Venue and Tickets
The Madring is located adjacent to the IFEMA exhibition centre in north-east Madrid, alongside the Real Madrid Sport City training complex in the Valdebebas area. The venue is accessible via Line 8 of the Madrid Metro, with a journey time of just eight minutes from Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport. The circuit has a capacity of 110,000 per day, with potential expansion to 140,000.
Tickets are available through the official Madring website (madring.com), the Formula 1 ticket store, and authorised resellers. Options include grandstand seats, general admission lawn areas, and VIP hospitality packages. As the inaugural Madrid race, demand is expected to be exceptionally high.
History of the Spanish Grand Prix
The Spanish Grand Prix dates back to 1913, when the first race was held on a road circuit at Guadarrama, near Madrid. The event has been held at various venues including Pedralbes in Barcelona, Jarama near Madrid, Jerez, and most recently the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, which hosted the race from 1991 to 2025. Oscar Piastri won the final Barcelona edition in 2025. The move to Madrid returns the race to the capital for the first time since the Jarama era ended in 1981.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix?
The race weekend runs from Friday 11 September to Sunday 13 September 2026, with the Grand Prix at 15:00 CEST on Sunday.
Where is the new Madrid F1 circuit?
The Madring is built around the IFEMA exhibition centre in the Valdebebas area of north-east Madrid, accessible via metro Line 8.
Is this the first F1 race in Madrid?
It is the first Formula 1 World Championship race in Madrid since the Spanish Grand Prix was held at the Jarama circuit in 1981.
Who won the Spanish Grand Prix last year?
Oscar Piastri won the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for McLaren.