On Friday, a significant milestone was reached in the world of motorsport with the official unveiling of the Madring circuit, which is set to host the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Madrid for the next decade, starting in 2026. The event was attended by several prominent figures, including Isabel Diaz Ayuso, the president of the Community of Madrid, and Jose Luis Martínez Almeida, the mayor of Madrid. Notably, Carlos Sainz, a driver for Williams, was appointed as the ambassador for the Madring F1, adding an exciting layer of local representation to the event.
The upcoming Spanish Grand Prix is scheduled to take place over 57 laps on the 5.4-kilometer circuit, which boasts an impressive design featuring 22 challenging turns. During the unveiling, organizers showcased a digital onboard lap, providing a thrilling glimpse into what fans can expect from the new circuit.
The design of the Madring circuit pays homage to Madrid’s rich history and cultural heritage. It kicks off with a 589-meter straight, marking the second-longest stretch of the track. Spectators can anticipate an exhilarating 202-meter sprint from the starting line to Turn 1. This initial phase of the race is particularly crucial, as turns 1 and 2 are anticipated to offer significant overtaking opportunities. Drivers will need to decelerate from a blistering 320 km/h to around 100 km/h as they approach the first chicane, making this a pivotal moment in the race.
One of the track’s standout features is Turn 3, known as Curva de Hortaleza. This curve is named after a neighborhood in Madrid and marks the beginning of the urban landscape of the circuit, situated along Ribera de Sena street. Following this, the track bends right through Turn 4, where a speed trap is expected to register around 340 km/h as drivers prepare for the tight chicane at Turns 5 and 6, located beneath a motorway overpass. This section is anticipated to be the best overtaking spot around the entire circuit.
Continuing along the public road, the chicane leads to the Subida de las Carcavas, an 8% incline that captures the essence of the neighborhood it traverses. After a blind ascent through Turn 7, drivers will encounter El Bunker, a sharp right turn that is located near historical Spanish Civil War forts, known as La Mata Espesa. This section leads to a purpose-built area at the Valdebebas festival grounds, which has previously hosted the Mad Cool festival.
As the race continues, drivers will navigate a fast, sweeping downhill segment comprising Turns 10 and 11, allowing modern F1 cars to fully exploit their capabilities.
One of the most thrilling parts of the circuit is La Monumental, a banked right-hand curve designed to resemble the famous Luyendyk corner from Zandvoort, as well as Madrid’s iconic bullfighting arena, Las Ventas. This section features an impressive gradient of 24%, covering 550 meters at speeds nearing 300 km/h. To enhance the spectator experience, a grandstand will be constructed to accommodate up to 45,000 fans, providing breathtaking views of the action.
The circuit also presents a third potential overtaking opportunity at Turn 13, a slow left-hander with an 84-degree angle. Following this, drivers will enter a high-speed area called Las Enlazadas de Valdebebas, which gracefully curves around the training complex of the famed football club Real Madrid. After reaching full throttle through Turns 14, 15, and 16, drivers will need to prepare for another intense braking zone at Turn 17, where they will navigate a right turn.
As the track approaches the end of its lap, it will pass beneath the motorway once again, leading back to the IFEMA fairgrounds, which will serve as the paddock area. Turn 18, named Curva Norte, gains its title from its location in front of the IFEMA North Convention Centre, where various hospitality areas will be situated.
The track then transitions into a more traditional, winding street course section that weaves between the various exhibition pavilions, culminating in the final corner, Turn 22, aptly named The Park after the nearby Juan Carlos I Park.
Construction of the Madring circuit is slated to commence in the coming month, with a targeted completion date set for September 2026. This timeline is significant as it marks Madrid’s entry into the F1 calendar, joining Barcelona for one year before presumably becoming the sole Spanish venue on the prestigious motorsport schedule.
In a move to ensure timely progress on the project, a contract has been finalized with a partnership between Spanish construction firm ACCIONA, holding a 60% stake, and France’s Eiffage Construction, which has a 40% interest. This joint venture aims to facilitate the construction of the 5.47-kilometer circuit, addressing concerns regarding the slow pace of the tender process.
The introduction of the Madring circuit not only adds a new dimension to the Formula 1 calendar but also highlights Madrid’s commitment to hosting world-class sporting events. As preparations get underway, both fans and participants eagerly anticipate the excitement and challenges that the new track will bring to the thrilling world of Formula 1 racing. The blending of Madrid’s cultural elements with cutting-edge motorsport technology promises to create an unforgettable experience for drivers and spectators alike.
With the inaugural Grand Prix on the horizon, the excitement surrounding the Madring circuit will undoubtedly continue to build, drawing attention from racing enthusiasts and the wider public as the countdown to 2026 begins. The promise of a state-of-the-art racing venue set against the vibrant backdrop of Madrid is sure to captivate audiences and enhance the overall appeal of Formula 1 in Spain.
