The Spanish Grand Prix will move to Madrid for the 2026 season, and F1 fans have just had their first glimpse of what the brand-new circuit will look like. A virtual lap of the 3.4-mile layout has been released.
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has hosted the race since 1992, but now it will move to the capital. Barcelona still has a contract for 2026, so their GP will be run under a different name.
Williams F1 driver Carlos Sainz has been confirmed as an ambassador for the new track in his home city. Winding around the IFEMA exhibition centre, it features 20 turns and will take over just 90 seconds to complete in an F1 car.
The lap begins with two left/right chicanes, separated by a long, winding straight. It then climbs up to a right-hand crest before a largely full-throttle dash through a series of sweeping curves.
The highlight is a banked right turn reminiscent of the final corner at Zandvoort, which is set to drop off the calendar after 2026. That leads into a 90-degree left and another high-speed section, ending in a cambered right.
Two more fast corners will test the drivers’ bravery, and the lap concludes with some more technical bends.
F1 fans concerned about a ‘pile-up’ at Madrid Grand Prix in 2026
The Race shared the onboard simulation footage on social media, and the response was overwhelmingly negative. Some even raised safety concerns.
One fan called it ‘really bad and really dangerous’, while phrases like ‘safety car in every race’, ‘safety car galore’ and ‘high chance of a safety car’ were also used.
Another user said ‘F1 cars are not ready’ for the type of accidents that could happen in Madrid. And there was also a warning of a ‘pile-up’ on the first lap if two drivers tangle in the mid-pack.
The ‘Madring’ is in some ways reminiscent of Jeddah, another recent addition. Haas driver Esteban Ocon admitted he’d be glad just to finish the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix ‘in one piece’ given the inherent dangerous of a fast road course.
Why some suspect the ‘Madring’ F1 track will never make it to the calendar
David Coulthard wasn’t overly impressed by the Madrid Grand Prix announcement in 2024. He felt there was too much focus on logistics and not enough on entertainment.
Based on the online sentiment, organisers will have to win over some skeptical fans next year. The 2026 Spanish GP is likely to take place in September, a few months later than its traditional slot.
Even after signing a 10-year deal, it’s not certain that the Madring will make it to the F1 calendar. A report in February pointed to possible funding problems.
With Stefano Domenicali committed to keeping the calendar to 24 races, one venue will have to make way. This could be Imola, home of the Emilia Romagna GP, with Mexico and Las Vegas both likely to pen new deals.
