Analysis
Madrid F1 circuit prepares for inaugural Spanish Grand Prix
Analysis of the new Madrid F1 track ahead of its debut in September 2026, including F3 testing feedback.
The new Madrid Formula 1 circuit is nearing its debut. The 5.416km track will host the Spanish Grand Prix from September 11-13, 2026. This marks a 10-year deal with F1, replacing Barcelona. The circuit will also stage the Formula 3 season finale.
Early Track Impressions
Ferrari was the first F1 team to test at the new Madrid venue. Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc drove the SF-26 during a filming day in July. Williams driver Carlos Sainz was the first F1 driver to complete a lap of the circuit. He drove a Ford Mustang GT in May, experiencing the banked ‘La Monumental’ section.
Formula 3 teams conducted testing at Madrid this week. Police helicopter footage of this F3 test was shared on social media. Freddie Slater, an Audi junior, topped the timesheets on the first day. Slater, currently leading the F3 championship with 130 points, praised the circuit. He described it as “incredible to drive,” having “some interesting corners” and “a lot of character.” Slater stated it is “probably one of the most enjoyable on a push lap on the calendar.” He emphasized the importance of building up laps on a new track with no previous data.
Character and Challenge
Slater compared the Madrid circuit to street tracks like Macau and Monaco. He noted the need to be “on the limit, but not being too over the limit.” He expressed his enjoyment of the track, calling it “one of the best tracks I’ve driven.” Slater particularly liked the Turn 5 and 6 chicane. He highlighted the circuit’s “character” as its most special attribute.
Race Season Context
The 2026 Formula 1 season has completed 12 rounds. Andrea Kimi Antonelli leads the drivers' championship with 219 points, holding 6 wins. Lewis Hamilton is second with 169 points. Valtteri Bottas is currently 21st with 0 points. Lando Norris won the recent Dutch Grand Prix, finishing 11.536 seconds ahead of Antonelli. The next F1 round is the Italian Grand Prix, with the first session scheduled for Friday, September 4, at 13:30 Finnish time. The Madrid circuit’s F3 finale will be crucial for the championship, where Slater leads Ugo Ugochukwu by 8 points. F1’s debut at Madrid will be a significant event for the sport's calendar.
Status And Sources
This story is labelled Analysis, which means this is our reading of facts that are already established. The rules behind those labels are in the editorial policy, and the desk that published it is Eero Lahtinen.
Written from the following reporting. Each link goes to the newsroom's own page, not to an aggregator:
- Crash.netcrash.net
