After 45 years, Madrid is once again part of the Formula 1® World Championship calendar: the 2026 FORMULA 1 TAG HEUER SPANISH GRAND PRIX, one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events, will take place from September 11 to 13.
In addition to building a new circuit, the goal is to create a sporting, technological, and entertaining experience centered around the race.
11 September 2026 10:00
The Return of Formula 1® to Madrid: A Historic Event
The race cars are old acquaintances of the city. Not surprisingly, during the 1960s, 1970s, and early 1980s, the Jarama Circuit hosted World Championship races. On its track, Madrid residents were able to watch motorsports legends such as Niki Lauda, Emerson Fittipaldi, Alain Prost, and Gilles Villeneuve drive.
Villeneuve (and Prost as well) raced in what would be the sport’s last official race in Madrid. It was 1981, and Villeneuve, driving a Ferrari, took the podium. This September, 45 years later, we’ll see drivers like Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris, Fernando Alonso, and Carlos Sainz (who will have his own grandstand at this Grand Prix) take to the track.
Madring Circuit, a thrilling track with the longest banked curve
Designed as a semi-urban circuit, the new city track surrounds the IFEMA Exhibition Center and extends into Valdebebas. The race cars will complete 57 laps of the track, covering a distance of 5.47 kilometers, with 22 turns and two tunnels. Speeds of over 320 km/h will be reached on some sections, and the track also features various overtaking zones.
One of the major highlights is the section known as “La Monumental,” a banked, semicircular, and complex curve. It poses a challenge for drivers due to its great length (550 meters) and a 24% bank. This means that approximately 45,000 spectators will be able to witness about six seconds of the turn live and in person.
The first test sessions with Carlos Sainz, Leclerc, and Hamilton
Just a few days ago, Leclerc and Hamilton were testing the track at Madrid Circuit with the Ferrari team.
But the first to test the circuit was Carlos Sainz. Among other things, he highlighted the track’s longest straight (837 meters), saying, “Here we’ll reach speeds of 320 to 330 km/h.”
Also, the Subida de las Cárcavas: “It’s awesome because the track opens up and there’s more space, with fast corners… Here we’ll enjoy Formula 1 to the fullest.” At La Monumental, the change in elevation and the exit from the corner stand out: “All you see is the sky over Madrid— from Madrid to the sky.”
F3 on the track two weeks before the race
Two weeks before the Spanish Grand Prix, Madrid Circuit will host an F3 test session. August 24 and 25 will serve “to validate the circuit’s sporting, operational, and safety procedures under real race conditions,” as the FIA states in a press release.
Carlos Sainz racing “at home”
If there’s one thing that stands out about the race, it’s the emotional significance for one of the home drivers. Carlos Sainz will be racing at home for the first time. The Madrid native made his Formula 1® debut in 2015, having driven for teams such as Toro Rosso, Renault, McLaren, Ferrari, and Williams. With more than 25 podium finishes and several pole positions, fans are eagerly anticipating his performance on this track.
On the grid, we’ll find stars like Fernando Alonso, a living legend of the sport, with a track record that includes two World Championships (2005 and 2006), more than thirty Grand Prix victories, and over 100 podium finishes… A leading figure in the paddock.
Also competing will be Max Verstappen (one of the top contenders to beat); Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri (representing the new generation of drivers), George Russell, Lewis Hamilton, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Pierre Gasly… The best from each team.
Beyond the Sport
The experience surrounding the circuit is beginning to take shape. One of the latest surprises has been the announcement of the Michelin-starred chefs who will participate in the event. It will take place at La Azotea—the VIP area above the iconic banked curve at La Monumental. Nine Michelin-starred chefs will create the menu for this gastronomic experience (including Mario Sandoval, Javier Bonet, Jordi Roca, Oriol Balaguer…).
But there will also be entertainment areas, fan zones, activities… which will be announced in the weeks leading up to the event. A major motorsports festival designed to attract both longtime fans and new spectators.