Formula 1 is set to debut on a brand-new street venue in Madrid for the Spanish Grand Prix, marking the final European stop of the 2026 season. The fast‑paced layout has already generated a buzz among fans and pundits, promising a stern test for all drivers, especially the current championship leader Kimi Antonelli, who secured victory at the previous race in Monza. Antonelli’s remarkable drive at Monza saw him climb from nineteenth on the grid to first place, widening his points advantage to 66 over George Russell, 76 over Lewis Hamilton and 96 over Lando Norris. Those three rivals will be eager to answer the challenge on a circuit where Mercedes, which dominated Monza with a one‑two finish, may not hold the same edge.
The weekend will also feature the concluding round of the 2026 Formula 3 Championship, which will run three races on the same dates, alongside a full Formula 2 program. The new 3.365‑kilometre Madring street track is characterised by very high speeds and a distinctive, heavily banked corner with a 24‑percent gradient. Drivers will need to master that turn while keeping their cars clear of the unforgiving barriers that line the circuit.
Lewis Hamilton has warned that overtaking could prove difficult, meaning qualifying performance and the resulting grid positions will be crucial on Saturday. The weather outlook is favourable, with forecasts calling for clear skies throughout the three‑day event and ambient temperatures hovering around 32 °C, reducing the likelihood of rain‑related disruptions.
**Detailed timetable** *Thursday, 10 September* – 14:00 hrs: Drivers’ press conference; 17:00 hrs: Paddock Uncut live stream. *Friday, 11 September* – 08:50 hrs: Formula 3 practice; 10:00 hrs: Formula 2 practice; 12:00 hrs: Spanish Grand Prix Practice One (official start 23:30 GMT); 12:55 hrs: F2 qualifying; 14:40 hrs: Team bosses’ press conference; 15:45 hrs: Spanish Grand Prix Practice Two (official start 15:00 GMT); 17:20 hrs: F3 qualifying; 18:20 hrs: The F1 Show.
*Saturday, 12 September* – 10:00 hrs: F3 sprint race; 11:00 hrs: Spanish Grand Prix Practice Three (official start 11:30 GMT); 13:10 hrs: F2 sprint; 14:15 hrs: Build‑up to Grand Prix qualifying; 15:00 hrs: Spanish Grand Prix qualifying (also shown on Sky Sports Main Event); 16:55 hrs: F3 Feature Race 1; 18:00 hrs: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook analysis. *Sunday, 13 September* – 08:40 hrs: F3 Feature Race 2; 10:20 hrs: F2 Feature Race; 12:30 hrs: Grand Prix build‑up; 14:00 hrs: Spanish Grand Prix main race; 16:00 hrs: Chequered‑flag reaction segment; 17:00 hrs: Ted’s final notebook.
**How to watch** - **Television**: Sky Sports F1 will broadcast every session from Friday practice through to the Sunday race. Sky subscribers can tune in on the dedicated F1 channel. - **Mobile & desktop app**: The Sky Sports app provides the same live feed, with an extra feature that lets viewers virtually “join” a driver’s cockpit for a more immersive experience. - **Streaming for non‑Sky customers**: The NOW platform offers flexible access via a day‑pass or a month‑to‑month subscription, allowing viewers to stream all twelve Sky Sports channels and the Sky Sports+ feeds on over 60 devices.
Membership is contract‑free and can be cancelled at any time. - **Live blog**: For those on the move, a real‑time written commentary is available on the official F1 blog, delivering lap‑by‑lap updates, timing sheets and quick analysis. - **Highlights**: Sky Sports subscribers can watch race highlights shortly after the checkered flag on the Sky Sports app, ensuring they never miss the key moments.
**Additional resources** Sky customers needing assistance with their Sky ID can find step‑by‑step guidance on the Sky website. For streaming, NOW’s service bundles all Sky Sports channels, including the premium Sky Sports+ streams, and offers a straightforward sign‑up process. Pricing details for day and month memberships are listed on the NOW portal, and a direct link to the latest offers is provided there. In summary, the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid promises an exhilarating weekend of high‑speed action on a demanding new circuit, with a packed schedule of supporting races and multiple viewing options to suit every fan.
Whether you prefer traditional TV, a mobile app, or an on‑the‑go live blog, the event is fully accessible, and the weather looks set to keep the racing clean and fast.