🏙️ The Spanish Grand Prix Formula 1 2026: Madring, the circuit revolutionising Madrid
In 2026, Formula 1 returns to the Spanish capital after 45 years, but it does so with a completely new concept and a spectacular circuit designed for the future.
The Spanish Grand Prix Formula 1 2026, with the debut of the Madring Circuit, is one of F1's biggest bets for this season: a track that aims to be the heir to the mythical Jarama, which hosted the last race in Madrid back in 1981, but with a highly technological urban design. At The Sun Places we tell you all the details and how you can experience this historic event with maximum comfort.
When is the Spanish F1 Grand Prix?
📅 Key dates: autumn is tinged with speed
The Spanish Grand Prix Formula 1 2026 will be held at the new Madring Circuit from Friday 11 to Sunday 13 September 2026. The race, which will be the crowning glory of the European season, is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on Sunday.
What is the Spanish F1 Grand Prix circuit like?
🏁 Circuit characteristics: semi-urban, fast and with memorable corners
The Madring Circuit is a new generation semi-urban circuit, built around the IFEMA Madrid exhibition centre, in the Barajas district, next to the airport. It is a cutting-edge design, combining public road sections with permanent sections. It promises to be one of the fastest and most spectacular on the calendar.
Its key characteristics are as follows:
- Number of corners: 22 corners
- Race configuration: 57 laps
- Longest straight: 589 metres (top speed: 340 km/h)
- Architect: Jarno Zaffelli (Dromo)
- Initial capacity: 110,000 spectators (expandable to 140,000)
⚙️ What makes it different this year? The debut of a mythical circuit in Madrid
The Spanish Grand Prix Formula 1 2026 returns to Madrid after 45 years. The last time the capital hosted a race was in 1981 at the Jarama Circuit, with Gilles Villeneuve's mythical victory. In 2026, the Madring Circuit is an absolute revolution: a semi-urban track designed by prestigious Italian architect Jarno Zaffelli, which promises to be one of the fastest and most challenging in the world.
🧑💻 Organisation and those responsible for the Spanish Grand Prix Formula 1 2026
The organisation of The Spanish Grand Prix Formula 1 2026 is carried out by IFEMA Madrid in collaboration with Formula 1 and the Royal Spanish Automobile Federation (RFEDA).
The signed contract guarantees the presence of F1 in Madrid for 10 years (until 2035). The institutional support of Madrid City Council and the Community of Madrid has been key to materialising this project.
🤔 Why the Madring Circuit and not IFEMA Madrid Circuit for the Spanish Grand Prix Formula 1 2026?
- The choice is not random (it was officially confirmed in March 2025), but a careful branding strategy. IFEMA wanted a name with the following characteristics:
- Memorability and reference: A "ring" refers to other mythical Formula 1 circuits, such as Germany's legendary Nürburgring or Hungary's Hungaroring. Thus, it positions it alongside them.
- Modernity and global projection: They were looking for "a short, direct identity" that did not need translation and fit with F1's "circuit-spectacle concept".
- Creation of a powerful brand: The intention is to create a global event brand (which they have called "an invitation to enjoy a unique experience in an exciting city and region") that goes beyond the mere name of the facilities.
- ⚠️Exclusion of sponsor: This name replaces the initially rumoured "IFEMA Madrid F1 Circuit", but the integration of a corporate brand 'naming' remains a real possibility to generate revenue.
The name Madring combines two very simple and powerful concepts:
- Mad: A direct nod to the host city, Madrid.
- Ring: The English word meaning "circle" and which, in motorsport jargon, is synonymous with circuit.
✨ Visual Identity: A Logo with its Own Meaning
The visual identity was created by the strategic and communication consultancy LLYC and features the following details:
- Typography: The word MADRING is written with curved characters representing the curves of a circuit, conveying dynamism and speed.
- Colours: It combines red (passion, the Community of Madrid and the majority colour of the F1 logo) with yellow, which nods to the Spanish flag.
⚖️ Comparison Madrid vs Barcelona
Spanish Grand Prix (Madrid)
- Circuit type: Semi-urban (hybrid)
- Maximum speed: Up to 340 km/h
- Main challenge: Energy management and banked corners
Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix
- Main challenge: Aerodynamic load and high degradation
🏠 Experience the Spanish Grand Prix Formula 1 2026 with The Sun Places
Although our speciality is Andalusia, Barcelona and the Costa Brava, at The Sun Places we can also help you enjoy The Spanish Grand Prix Formula 1 2026 in Madrid. We offer you personalised advice so you can experience this historic event in total comfort.
✅ What we offer for the Madrid GP
- Accommodation advice: Stay in our Luxury Apartments in Madrid, close to the Madring Circuit and well connected to the city centre.
- Specialised concierge: We manage your transport from your accommodation to the circuit, tickets for premium areas and any additional needs.
- Combined packages: If you want to experience both Spanish Grands Prix (Barcelona and Madrid), we can design a luxury tour for you that includes stays in both cities and private transfers.
- Exclusive experiences: We organise cultural visits to Madrid (The Royal Palace, The Prado Museum, Santiago Bernabéu) and dinners at Michelin-starred restaurants.
🌟 The perfect plan with The Sun Places for Madrid
- Friday 11 September: Arrival in Madrid and accommodation in our Luxury Apartments in Madrid recommended by us. In the afternoon, you attend the free practice sessions at The Madring Circuit.
- Saturday 12 September: In the morning, free practice 3. In the afternoon, official qualifying. In the evening, dinner at a haute cuisine restaurant.
- Sunday 13 September: Race day of The Spanish Grand Prix Formula 1 2026 (3:00 p.m.). Enjoy the debut of the Madring circuit and cheer on Checo Pérez, Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz. Afterwards, return to the accommodation and celebration.
📞 Contact The Sun Places and let us advise you to experience The Spanish Grand Prix Formula 1 2026 in Madrid. Speed and luxury await you. ✨
But if you decide to stay in another of the destinations prepared by The Sun Places, here are our Premium destinations: Luxury Apartments in Barcelona, Luxury Accommodation on the Costa Brava, Luxury Apartments in Puerto Banús and Luxury Apartments in Seville among other destinations.