What makes the Spanish Grand Prix special – and why you should see it

The Spanish Grand Prix enters a new era in 2026 as Formula 1 heads to Madrid and the purpose-built Madring circuit for the first time.

Madrid is no stranger to Formula 1. The Circuito del Jarama, north of the capital, staged nine rounds of the World Championship between 1968 and 1981, producing memorable victories for the likes of Niki Lauda and Gilles Villeneuve.

Now the Spanish capital is preparing for a new chapter, with a 5.4km, 22-turn circuit around the IFEMA Madrid exhibition centre set to host the race. Here are some of the reasons why the Spanish Grand Prix promises to be such a captivating experience.

A new challenge in Madrid

Madring combines public roads with purpose-built sections around IFEMA Madrid and Valdebebas, giving the circuit a mix of street-track character and permanent-venue features. Fast sweeps, tight corners, heavy braking zones and changes in elevation are all designed to test the drivers.

It will also be a home race for Madrid-born Carlos Sainz, who has become an ambassador for the event. Sainz said he believed Madrid could build the “best circuit in the world”, adding another layer of anticipation before the venue’s F1 debut.

When is the next Spanish Grand Prix?

The 2026 Spanish Grand Prix weekend begins on Friday 11 September, with F1 cars on track for Free Practice 1 and Free Practice 2. Free Practice 3 and Qualifying follow on Saturday 12 September, before the Grand Prix takes place at 1500 local time on Sunday 13 September.

Check out the RACE HUB to see when each F1 session starts in your local time zone, wherever you are in the world.

Why we love Madring

The 5.4km layout features 22 turns and a wide variety of challenges.

Cars are expected to reach 340kph through the high-speed urban section, while steep climbs, downhill approaches and several heavy braking zones should create opportunities for drivers to attack.

The weekend schedule is packed with action, with F1 practice, Qualifying and the Grand Prix supported by Formula 2 and the Formula 3 season finale. That means plenty of track running and even more opportunities to see cars at speed.

One of the circuit’s standout features is Turn 12, known as La Monumental. The semicircular corner is around 550 metres long, with banking of up to 24%. Drivers are expected to spend roughly six seconds negotiating it, while grandstands around the turn will provide views for up to 45,000 spectators.

Memorable moments at the Spanish Grand Prix

Madrid has a ten-year agreement to host the Spanish Grand Prix from 2026 to 2035. Before a new collection of memories is created at Madring, here are two famous moments from the city’s F1 past...

1974 – Niki Lauda claimed the first victory of his F1 career at Jarama, leading Ferrari team mate Clay Regazzoni home by more than 35 seconds. Lauda started from pole position and also set the fastest lap as Ferrari secured a commanding one-two finish.

1981 – Gilles Villeneuve produced one of the great defensive drives in F1 history, using the speed of his Ferrari on the straights and placing the car precisely through Jarama’s corners to keep four rivals behind. The first five cars crossed the line covered by just 1.24 seconds as Villeneuve secured the final Grand Prix victory of his career.

How can I watch the Spanish Grand Prix?

Nothing beats being there! Head to F1 Tickets to secure your place and catch all the action in person. F1 Experiences has a great range of premium ticket packages too, getting you closer to Formula 1 than ever before.

For details of the broadcaster in your area, click here.

You can also watch the drama unfold via F1 TV Pro (in selected countries only).