Madring

The Circuito de Madring represents Spain's newest Formula 1 venue. This circuit combines street racing with purpose-built track elements. Located at the IFEMA Exhibition Centre in Madrid's Barajas district, the facility stands near the Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport. Construction began in April 2025, with an investment of €83.2 million. The circuit will host the Spanish Grand Prix from 2026 through 2035 under a ten-year contract. Carlos Sainz serves as the circuit's ambassador. The first race takes place on September 13, 2026.

Technical Specifications

The track measures 5.474 kilometers (3.401 miles) in length. Drivers navigate 22 turns during each lap. The circuit holds FIA Grade 1 certification, which permits Formula 1 competition. Studio Dromo designed the layout, with architect Jarno Zaffelli leading the Italian design team. The track width measures 12 meters throughout most sections. The main straight and first corner expand to 15 meters wide. Cars reach an average speed of 213 km/h during qualifying sessions. Drivers complete qualifying laps in approximately 1 minute 32 seconds.

Circuit Layout and Design

The track uses both public roads and private land. This hybrid approach creates a street circuit with permanent facility features, similar to the Miami International Autodrome. The elevation changes add complexity to the layout. The track climbs to the Cárcavas neighborhood, reaching its peak at 697 meters above sea level at Turn 7. From this high point, the circuit descends through the Bunker section. Four main overtaking zones exist at Turns 1, 5, 11, and 17. Turns 5 and 6 form a chicane under a highway overpass, designed to create passing opportunities.

La Monumental: The Signature Feature

The circuit's most distinctive element is La Monumental, a banked corner inspired by Madrid's bullfighting traditions. This curve stretches 550 meters with 24% banking, making it the longest banked turn in Formula 1. Formula 1 cars take approximately six seconds to complete this sweeping corner. The grandstands at La Monumental accommodate 45,000 spectators. This feature draws design inspiration from Las Ventas, Madrid's famous bullfighting arena. The stadium capacity starts at 110,000 fans, with expansion plans to reach 140,000 within five years.

Key Track Sections

The Curva de Hortaleza marks Turn 3, a flat right-hand corner named after the local neighborhood. The Bunker provides a fast and technical challenge for drivers. The Valdebebas linked corners create high-speed sections that test driver skill. A tunnel appears before Turn 18, where drivers must brake hard while adapting to the light transition. The pit and paddock facilities occupy halls within the IFEMA exhibition center. Line 8 of the Madrid Metro provides public transport access to the venue.

Historical Context

Madrid last hosted Formula 1 racing in 1981 at the Circuito del Jarama. Jarama held the Spanish Grand Prix nine times. The Spanish Grand Prix has moved between multiple venues over the decades, including Jarama, Montjuïc, Jerez, and Barcelona-Catalunya. Madring becomes the seventh Spanish circuit to host Formula 1's top racing category. The circuit aims to create a spectacle comparable to modern venues in Miami, Abu Dhabi, and Las Vegas. Formula 2 and Formula 3 races will support the main Formula 1 event. Construction teams expect the track to be ready by May 2026.