Spanish Grand Prix: Schedule and Viewing Options for the New Madrid Circuit

Formula 1 is set to debut a brand‑new street venue in Madrid for the Spanish Grand Prix, marking the last European event on the 2026 calendar. The fast‑paced Madring circuit has already generated a buzz among fans and experts, promising a demanding test for every driver, including the current championship frontrunner, Kimi Antonelli, who claimed victory at the previous race in Monza.

Antonelli’s remarkable drive at Monza saw him surge from nineteenth on the grid to first place, stretching his lead over his nearest rivals: George Russell now trails by 66 points, Lewis Hamilton by 76 points, and Lando Norris by 96 points. While Antonelli will be eager to consolidate his advantage, Russell, Hamilton and Norris will be looking to bounce back on a track that does not favour Mercedes – a team that dominated Monza with a one‑two finish. The weekend will also feature the climax of the 2026 Formula 3 Championship, which will host three separate races in Madrid, alongside a full Formula 2 program.

The 3.365‑kilometre Madring layout is characterised by its high‑speed sections and a strikingly steep banked corner with a 24‑percent gradient. Drivers will need to master this challenging turn while avoiding the unforgiving barriers that line the circuit.

Lewis Hamilton has warned that overtaking on the narrow street track will be tough, meaning that qualifying performance on Saturday will be crucial for securing a strong race‑day position. Weather forecasts are optimistic, predicting clear skies and warm temperatures of around 32 °C throughout the three‑day event, with no rain expected to interfere with the on‑track action.

**Detailed Schedule** **Thursday, 10 September** - 14:00 – Drivers’ press conference - 17:00 – Paddock Uncut (behind‑the‑scenes interview series) **Friday, 11 September** - 08:50 – Formula 3 practice session - 10:00 – Formula 2 practice session - 12:00 – Spanish Grand Prix Practice One (official start at 23:30 GMT) - 12:55 – Formula 2 qualifying - 14:40 – Team bosses’ press conference - 15:45 – Spanish Grand Prix Practice Two (official start at 15:00 GMT) - 17:20 – Formula 3 qualifying - 18:20 – The F1 Show (pre‑race analysis programme) **Saturday, 12 September** - 10:00 – Formula 3 sprint race - 11:00 – Spanish Grand Prix Practice Three (official start at 11:30 GMT) - 13:10 – Formula 2 sprint race - 14:15 – Build‑up to Spanish Grand Prix qualifying - 15:00 – Spanish Grand Prix qualifying* (also broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event) - 16:55 – Formula 3 Feature Race 1 - 18:00 – Ted’s Qualifying Notebook (expert commentary segment) **Sunday, 13 September** - 08:40 – Formula 3 Feature Race 2 - 10:20 – Formula 2 Feature Race - 12:30 – Grand Prix Sunday build‑up - 14:00 – The Spanish Grand Prix (main race) - 16:00 – Chequered‑flag reaction segment - 17:00 – Ted’s Notebook (post‑race analysis) *All qualifying sessions are also available on Sky Sports Main Event. **How to Watch** - **Television**: Sky Sports F1 will broadcast every session from Friday’s first practice through to the Sunday race.

Sky subscribers can tune in on the dedicated F1 channel. - **App**: The Sky Sports app offers live streaming for Sky customers, with the added perk of an onboard camera option that lets viewers experience the race from a driver’s perspective. - **Streaming (Non‑Sky)**: Viewers without a Sky subscription can access the weekend’s coverage via NOW, either with a day‑pass or a flexible month‑to‑month membership that can be cancelled at any time. - **Live Blog**: For those on the move, a real‑time F1 blog provides minute‑by‑minute updates, results and key moments throughout the weekend.

- **Highlights**: Shortly after the checkered flag, Sky Sports app users can watch a condensed highlights reel of the Spanish Grand Prix. **Sky Subscribers’ Extras** - Access to Sky ID assistance for account setup or recovery. - NOW streaming service includes all twelve Sky Sports channels, every Sky Sports+ stream, and the ability to watch on over 60 devices.

- Membership is contract‑free, allowing users to cancel at any point. Options include a single‑day pass or a monthly subscription; current pricing details are available on the NOW website.

The Madrid Grand Prix promises an exhilarating weekend of high‑speed action, strategic battles and a fresh challenge for the world’s top drivers. With comprehensive coverage across TV, apps and streaming platforms, fans have multiple ways to stay connected to every twist and turn of the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at the Madring circuit.