Spanish Grand Prix
Madrid has officially joined the Formula 1 calendar as the new home of the Spanish Grand Prix. Starting in 2026, the race will take place on a newly constructed hybrid circuit known as Madring, designed to combine the energy of a street race with the performance of a purpose-built track. Whether you’re planning to visit during the inaugural race or in the years to come, here’s everything you need to know about the Formula 1 experience in Madrid.
🏎️ The Track: Madring
The Madring circuit is located in the northeast of Madrid, near the IFEMA exhibition center and Barajas Airport. The layout features 22 turns and stretches over 5.47 kilometers, weaving through city streets and dedicated track sections. Fans can expect a mix of high-speed straights, technical corners, a banked turn, and even a tunnel section. It’s designed to offer thrilling racing, exciting overtaking opportunities, and great visibility for spectators.
The circuit includes grandstands in several key areas, with excellent views of overtaking zones and pit activity. The overall design ensures fans are close to the action—something city circuits are uniquely good at delivering.
🚆 Getting to the Circuit
One of the best parts of attending the race in Madrid is how easy it is to get to the track. The venue is just a few metro stops from the city center, directly connected by public transportation. It’s also close to the airport, making it ideal for international visitors. You won’t need a car—Madrid’s public transport system is fast, affordable, and efficient.
🏁 From Barcelona to Madrid: A New Era
For decades, the Spanish Grand Prix was hosted in Barcelona, but starting with the 2026 season, Madrid has taken over the event. While the Catalunya circuit will still hold its final race in June 2026, the capital is now home to Spain’s only official Formula 1 race. The move marks a new era, with the Madrid race aiming to blend sport and culture in the heart of one of Europe’s most vibrant cities.
Spanish Grand Prix 2026
- Dates: September 11 – September 13, 2026
- Track: Madring Circuit
🌆 What to Do in Madrid During Race Weekend
If you’re coming to Madrid for the Grand Prix, there’s plenty more to experience beyond the race track. Consider arriving a few days early or staying longer to enjoy the city’s top attractions:
- Explore Madrid’s museums, including the world-famous Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen-Bornemisza.
- Stroll through El Retiro Park, or enjoy tapas and wine in local neighborhoods like La Latina and Malasaña.
- Catch a flamenco show, experience a Real Madrid football match at Santiago Bernabéu, or shop along Gran Vía.
- Attend concerts and special events happening the same weekend—Madrid is alive with culture year-round.
For a full list of what’s on in the city, visit the Madrid Guide.
🛏️ Find a Hotel – Budget-Friendly or High-End
Need a place to stay during your visit? Use the interactive map below to search for hotels throughout Madrid. You can zoom in and out, compare prices, and choose the perfect location—whether you want to stay near the circuit, in the city center, or somewhere quieter.
Madrid’s Formula 1 race isn’t just about speed—it’s about fusing motorsport with culture, food, music, and the unmatched energy of Spain’s capital. Whether you’re a die-hard F1 fan or just curious about the buzz, the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid promises to be one of the most exciting and accessible races on the Formula 1 calendar.
