Formula 1 is set to debut on a brand‑new street circuit in Madrid for the Spanish Grand Prix, marking the last European event of the 2026 season. The fast‑paced layout, dubbed the Madring, has already sparked considerable buzz among fans and pundits alike, promising a formidable test for all competitors, especially the current championship leader Kimi Antonelli, who claimed victory at the previous race in Monza. Antonelli’s remarkable drive at Monza saw him surge from 19th place on the grid to the top step of the podium, extending his advantage in the drivers’ standings to 66 points over George Russell, 76 points over Lewis Hamilton, and a substantial 96 points ahead of Lando Norris. While Antonelli looks to consolidate his lead, Russell, Hamilton and Norris will be eager to claw back points on a circuit that is expected to neutralise the usual Mercedes advantage that helped them secure a one‑two finish at Monza.
The weekend will also host the concluding round of the 2026 Formula 3 Championship, featuring three races, and a full slate of Formula 2 action, making the Madrid event a packed programme for junior categories as well as the premier class. The new 3.365‑kilometre street track is characterised by its high‑speed nature and a distinctive banked corner with a 24‑percent gradient, a feature that will test drivers’ precision and bravery as they try to keep their cars on the racing line without crashing into the barriers. Lewis Hamilton has warned that overtaking will be especially challenging on this circuit, meaning that qualifying performance on Saturday will be crucial for a strong race result. Weather forecasts for the weekend are favourable, with clear skies predicted for all three days and ambient temperatures hovering around 32 °C.
Organisers do not expect rain to interfere with the on‑track action, allowing teams to focus on set‑up and strategy rather than tyre changes for wet conditions. **Detailed Schedule** **Thursday – 10 September** - 14:00 – Drivers’ press conference - 17:00 – Paddock Uncut (behind‑the‑scenes footage) **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 and interviews) **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) **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 wrap‑up **How to Watch** - **Television**: Sky Sports F1 will broadcast every session from Friday’s first practice through to the Sunday race. Sky customers can tune in on the dedicated Sky Sports F1 channel.
- **Mobile App**: Sky subscribers may also stream the action via the Sky Sports app, with an optional feature that lets viewers experience the race from a driver’s perspective. - **Streaming (Non‑Sky)**: Viewers without a Sky subscription can access live coverage through the NOW platform, available as a day‑pass or a month‑pass with a cancel‑anytime policy. - **Live Blog**: For fans on the move, a real‑time blog will provide minute‑by‑minute updates throughout the weekend.
- **Highlights**: Shortly after the race concludes, full‑length highlights will be available on the Sky Sports app for on‑demand viewing. **Additional Services for Sky Subscribers** - Guidance on creating or locating your Sky ID for seamless access to Sky services. - NOW, Sky’s instant‑streaming service, offers all 12 Sky Sports channels, Sky Sports+ streams, and a host of additional content across more than 60 devices. Membership is contract‑free, allowing users to cancel at any time, with flexible day or month options.
Current pricing and membership details can be found on the NOW website. In summary, the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at Madrid’s Madring circuit promises a thrilling blend of high‑speed racing, strategic qualifying battles, and a packed schedule across the top three single‑seater categories.
With clear weather, a challenging new layout, and a variety of viewing options, fans worldwide have ample opportunity to follow the drama as drivers vie for crucial points in the closing stages of the 2026 season.