The organizers of the upcoming Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix have recently unveiled the design of the Madring, a new racing circuit set to debut in Madrid starting in 2026. This exciting announcement has generated buzz within the motorsport community, prompting discussions about the implications for the racing calendar. We reached out to three team principals from the Formula 2 (F2) series to gather their insights on the new Madrid circuit and the potential for further calendar developments in the coming years.
The Madring is poised to become a key player in the Formula 1 landscape, hosting the Spanish Grand Prix and expanding its footprint in the motorsports arena. This development has been in the works since December, when it was confirmed that both F2 and F3 will also be participating in races at the new Madrid venue from 2026 through 2035. This is an exciting time for motorsports in Spain, as the country prepares to welcome an additional high-profile event to its calendar.
Currently, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is the venue for the Spanish Grand Prix and has a contract with Formula 1 that extends into 2026. However, there is uncertainty surrounding Barcelona’s future in the F1 calendar beyond next year. Historically, Barcelona has been a staple on the F2 calendar, hosting races every year since the series’ inception, except in 2021 when F2 and F3 did not compete on the same tracks. Moreover, the Barcelona circuit is a favored spot for both pre-season and in-season testing, making it a crucial location for teams to refine their cars.
Adrián Campos Jr., the team principal of Campos Racing, expressed his enthusiasm about the new Madrid circuit, noting its significance for Spanish motorsports. “It’s wonderful for us to have a race in Madrid, especially as it’s our home country,” he stated. He expressed hope that the new race would not replace the existing Barcelona event, but rather coexist, allowing for two races in Spain in the coming years. This sentiment reflects the desire within the F2 community for a robust presence in Spain, where motorsport has a rich history.
The proximity of the Madring to Campos Racing’s base is particularly advantageous, but it also holds benefits for other teams, such as Invicta Racing, a British team that sees the Madrid venue as an excellent opportunity. Team principal James Robinson emphasized the importance of distinguishing between European races and those that are held further afield. He pointed out that European races are generally easier to integrate into the calendar, given the different economic dynamics at play. “For European races, it’s simpler to add them to the schedule,” Robinson explained, highlighting the logistical advantages of racing in familiar territories.
During discussions about the potential changes to the F2 calendar, all three team principals acknowledged the need to consider the balance between scheduling demands and budgetary constraints. Sander Dorsman, the principal of MP Motorsport, shared his perspective on the ideal number of races, indicating that 14 races would be a satisfactory target for the team. “While I’m not certain whether the Madrid race will serve as an additional round or a replacement, I believe that 14 races is a nice number to maintain,” he remarked. He further expressed confidence in the decision-making of F2 management regarding any potential calendar changes.
Campos echoed Dorsman’s sentiments, underscoring the importance of maintaining budgetary restrictions while considering the possibility of expansion. “We’ve typically had about 14 races in previous seasons, and it’s crucial for us to keep costs manageable,” he stated. The emphasis on budget control reflects a broader trend in motorsports, where financial sustainability is increasingly paramount for teams operating within often volatile economic environments.
Robinson further elaborated on the financial considerations of expanding the calendar, emphasizing the need to keep budgets low. He expressed a willingness to embrace calendar expansions, provided that the financial aspects align favorably. “As long as we can manage the costs effectively, I am personally in favor of broadening the calendar a bit,” he noted, mentioning that expanding beyond Europe and the Middle East could provide exciting opportunities for the series.
The impact of expanding the F2 calendar would be more significant on the teams compared to Formula 1, given the smaller operational sizes of F2 teams. Robinson pointed out that F2 teams often lack dedicated logistics teams, which means that team members, including mechanics and engineers, are heavily involved in all aspects of race preparation and execution. “We’re limited to a small operational staff, so everyone pitches in when it comes to setting up and packing up,” he remarked, highlighting the hands-on nature of F2 operations.
While European races are generally easier to manage logistically, Robinson acknowledged that flyaway races can offer unique advantages. “Despite the logistical challenges, these international events provide an exciting dimension to our championship,” he said. He noted that the financial implications of flyaway races can be less burdensome, as promoters often cover a portion of the costs, making them economically viable compared to some European venues.
The 2025 F2 season commenced with a flyaway round in Australia, although it faced challenges, including the cancellation of the feature race due to inclement weather. Despite such uncertainties, Robinson expressed enthusiasm for expanding F2’s presence in the Americas. “Given that we are part of an American-owned company, we would love to see races on the American continent,” he stated, referring to Invicta Racing’s parent company, based in Florida. He emphasized that while practical and financial aspects are important to consider, the prospect of racing in the Americas is an exciting opportunity for the team and the series as a whole.
As the motorsport community eagerly anticipates the debut of the Madring and the potential for further expansions in the calendar, the conversations among team principals highlight the complexities and considerations that come with these developments. With the promise of new racing venues and the potential for expanded championships, the future of Formula 1 and its feeder series in Spain and beyond looks promising.
