10 September 2026 18:00 (UTC)
There’s plenty of intrigue as Formula 1 heads to its first new track in three years
Formula 1 is breaking new ground in Madrid, where the all-new Madring is ready to make its mark on the Championship.
The Spanish capital becomes the first new destination on the F1 calendar in three years, bringing with it a circuit packed with intrigue, from the spectacularly banked La Monumental to a host of features that could make this one of the most unpredictable races of the season.
There has been plenty of talk about what awaits the drivers, but what else can we expect from our trip to Madrid?
Here are the key things to look out for.
The Madring is a new track for Formula 1, meaning every second the drivers spend in the car will be even more crucial as everyone tries to learn as much as possible about the challenges it poses.
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have both spent plenty of time in the simulator, but nothing beats taking the MCL40 around the real thing.
A key focus for our drivers will be understanding the braking performance of the MCL40 around the 22-corner track, with the practice sessions offering a chance to optimise the best position through each turn.
The Madring’s corner-heavy design, which includes several taken at high speed, means this will be of greater importance than in Monza last weekend, where the Temple of Speed placed a premium on straight-line performance and energy use.
As part of our continual development programme, the MCL40 will sport minor aerodynamic upgrades. However, we won’t deploy the H-Wing used successfully at Monza, as the team is prioritising production time for the rear-wing components required at upcoming events.
A new track offers a fresh pilgrimage for F1 fans across the world, and we can’t wait to see the Madring packed with papaya.
Fortunately, it’s one of the easier tracks on the calendar to reach, with the 5.416km circuit neatly placed within close proximity of Madrid-Barajas Airport. Any fans flying in will be able to head straight to the stands, while those staying in the city centre will also have simple access via Madrid’s extensive public transport system.
The Madrid Metro is the third largest in Europe, behind only Moscow and London, with multiple lines stretching into its north-eastern reaches, where the Madring is located. Fans can also use Cercanías rail lines to travel directly from Atocha, Madrid’s largest station.
The Madring cuts between city streets and purpose-built track, meaning fans will need to make sure they select the right entrance for arrival, with tickets split between Madring North and Madring South.
The use of public transport is in line with the FIA’s commitment to greater sustainability in Formula 1. With 110,000 fans set to descend on the Madring each day, it should make for a brilliant atmosphere.
Those of you heading to the Spanish capital won’t be short of activities.
If you’re in the mood for more sport, Madrid is a hotbed for football, and giants Real Madrid are at home on Saturday night against fellow Madrid residents Rayo Vallecano. While Atlético are at home on Wednesday, 16 September if you fancy extending your stay in Madrid to visit their new Metropolitano stadium.
Madrid isn’t just about sport, however, with plenty of other cultural offerings available. The Museo del Prado and Museo Reina Sofia are within walking distance of each other and boast extensive collections of European art, with the latter displaying Pablo Picasso’s world-renowned Guernica.
The Royal Palace of Madrid and Plaza de Mayor are other historic sights to see in between the racing action, while those looking for a break from the sound of engines whirring can find some calm in Madrid’s wealth of green spaces, including the Retiro Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A new track provides an opportunity to make history by becoming the first winner at the Madring.
Whoever takes the Chequered Flag on Sunday will become the first driver to win a Grand Prix in Madrid since 1981, when Gilles Villeneuve took victory for Ferrari. McLaren’s John Watson completed the podium in P3.
Previous races in Madrid were held at the Circuito del Jarama, which hosted nine Grands Prix between 1968 and 1981. We’ve won once in Madrid, thanks to James Hunt in 1976, when he was dramatically reinstated to first place after an appeal, having been initially disqualified.
On the 50th anniversary of James’ victory in Madrid, Lando or Oscar will be looking to make their own mark in the Spanish capital.
There is plenty of newness to get your head around this weekend, so it is worth getting to grips with the key facts that could define the Madring.
The newly built track features 22 corners, including the much-hyped La Monumental Turn 12, which has 24% banking. Up to 45,000 fans are set to sit along the 500m right-hander, meaning our drivers will be greeted by a wall of noise as they tackle it, while the MCL40 could reach speeds of up to 340kph around the track. Not enough numbers for you? Make sure you are fully clued up on the new track with our guide to the Madring here.
