Madrid

The FIA Formula 2 Championship returns to Madrid for the 2026 season at the new Circuito de Madring. This race serves as a support event for the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix and represents Round 11 of the F2 calendar. Spain welcomes top-tier motorsport back to its capital after decades, offering fans a chance to watch the next generation of racing talent compete on a state-of-the-art circuit.

The Circuito de Madring

Madring is a purpose-built street circuit located around the IFEMA Exhibition Centre and Valdebebas district in Madrid, near Madrid-Barajas Airport. The track combines existing public roads with sections constructed specifically for racing. This hybrid approach creates a modern facility that integrates seamlessly with the city's infrastructure.

The circuit measures approximately 5.416 kilometers and features 22 corners. The layout includes slow hairpins, sweeping medium-speed turns, and fast corners connected by long straights. Four designated overtaking zones at Turns 1, 5, 11, and 17 provide multiple opportunities for drivers to make passes and battle for position.

La Monumental

The circuit's signature feature is La Monumental, a semi-circular banked corner that stretches half a kilometer. With a banking angle of 24%, this corner will be the longest banked turn on the Formula 1 calendar. The unique design challenges drivers to find the optimal line while maintaining speed through this distinctive section.

Accessibility and Capacity

Madring can accommodate 110,000 spectators with potential expansion to 140,000. The venue sits just eight minutes from the airport via Line 8 of the Madrid Metro. This convenient location makes the circuit easily accessible for both local fans and international visitors traveling to Spain for the race weekend.

Formula 2 Championship

The FIA Formula 2 Championship serves as the primary feeder series for Formula 1. Young drivers compete in identical cars to showcase their pure racing ability. The series follows Formula 1 across multiple continents throughout the season, providing aspiring racers with experience at world-class circuits.

Each F2 weekend includes practice, qualifying, a Sprint Race, and a Feature Race. The Sprint Race runs on Saturday with a reversed grid for the top finishers from qualifying. The Feature Race takes place on Sunday with drivers starting in qualifying order. This format produces competitive racing and rewards consistency across both races.

F2 Technical Specifications

All teams compete with the Dallara F2 2024 chassis powered by a Mecachrome V6 turbo engine. Pirelli supplies the tires for the entire grid. This spec series format ensures equal equipment, placing emphasis on driver skill and team strategy rather than technical advantages.

The F2 car produces high levels of downforce and significant power from its turbocharged engine. The machine demands precision from drivers while developing the skills necessary for a potential Formula 1 career. Safety features meet the highest standards, protecting competitors while allowing close racing action.

Teams and Drivers

The F2 grid typically features teams such as Invicta Racing, Hitech TGR, Campos Racing, DAMS Lucas Oil, and MP Motorsport. Each team runs two drivers throughout the season. The driver lineup for the Madrid race will include rising stars from various countries, many with Formula 1 aspirations.

Spain has a strong motorsport tradition, and the Madrid race provides an opportunity for Spanish drivers to compete at home. The passionate local fanbase adds atmosphere to the event, creating a memorable experience for competitors and spectators alike.

Madrid Motorsport History

Madrid last hosted top-tier motorsport in 1981 at the Circuito del Jarama. The return of Formula 1, F2, and F3 to the Spanish capital marks a significant moment after a 40-year absence. The agreement runs through 2035, establishing Madrid as a long-term home for these championships.

The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya previously hosted the Spanish Grand Prix since 1991. The move to Madrid brings a fresh challenge for drivers and teams while introducing the sport to a new audience in Spain's largest metropolitan area.

What Makes This Race Special

Madrid becomes the only European capital to host a Grand Prix, elevating the city's status in the motorsport community. The new circuit offers modern facilities and a layout that encourages overtaking and competitive racing. The combination of technical corners and high-speed sections tests every aspect of driver ability.

The F2 race at Madring allows fans to watch future Formula 1 stars before they reach the pinnacle of motorsport. Many current F1 drivers competed in F2, making this championship an essential part of the racing ladder. The close competition and developing talent create compelling racing that appeals to dedicated motorsport fans and casual observers.

The circuit's location near central Madrid enables celebrations and activities throughout the city. The event brings together sport and entertainment, creating a festival atmosphere across the race weekend. This integration with the broader community distinguishes the Madrid event from traditional circuit-based races.