Formula 1 is set to debut on a brand‑new street layout in Madrid for the Spanish Grand Prix, marking the last European event on the 2026 calendar. The fast‑paced circuit, dubbed Madring, has already sparked intense debate among fans and pundits because of its demanding characteristics. Drivers will face a steep learning curve, especially the championship frontrunner Kimi Antonelli, who clinched victory at the previous round in Monza.
Antonelli’s performance in Italy was nothing short of spectacular: he surged from 19th on the grid to take the win, extending his advantage in the drivers’ standings to 66 points over George Russell, 76 points ahead of Lewis Hamilton, and 96 points clear of Lando Norris. While Antonelli looks to consolidate his lead, Russell, Hamilton and Norris will be eager to strike back on a track that does not play to Mercedes’ traditional strengths – a factor that helped the team secure a one‑two finish at Monza. The weekend will also host the concluding round of the 2026 Formula 3 Championship, featuring three separate races, alongside a full slate of Formula 2 action.
Both support categories promise plenty of excitement as the under‑card battles often set the tone for the main event. Madring’s 3.365‑kilometre layout is characterised by high‑speed straights and a standout banked corner with a 24‑percent gradient.
The banked turn is expected to test drivers’ precision and bravery, as even a slight mis‑judgement could see a car clipped by the barriers. Lewis Hamilton has already warned that overtaking opportunities will be limited, making qualifying performance and track position crucial for the final race. 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 anticipate rain interfering with the schedule, allowing teams to focus solely on extracting speed from the new surface. **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 on qualifying results) **Sunday – 13 September** - 08:40 – Formula 3 Feature Race 2 - 10:20 – Formula 2 Feature Race - 12:30 – Build‑up to the Grand Prix (pre‑race shows and driver interviews) - 14:00 – The Spanish Grand Prix (main race) - 16:00 – Chequered‑flag reaction segment - 17:00 – Ted’s Notebook (post‑race analysis) *All times are local (GMT+1). **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 F1 channel. - **Mobile & Tablet App**: Sky subscribers may also stream live coverage via the Sky Sports app, which includes the option to follow any driver’s on‑board feed.
- **Streaming for Non‑Sky Users**: Viewers without a Sky subscription can access the weekend’s action through the NOW service. Options include a day‑pass or a month‑to‑month membership, both of which are contract‑free and cancellable 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**: Sky Sports app users will receive highlight reels shortly after the checkered flag, allowing fans to catch up on decisive overtakes and incidents.
- **Sky ID Assistance**: New users can find or create their Sky ID directly through the Sky platform, ensuring a smooth login experience. **About NOW** NOW is an on‑demand streaming platform that grants instant access to all twelve Sky Sports channels, including every Sky Sports+ feed. The service works across more than 60 devices, from smartphones and tablets to smart TVs and gaming consoles.
Membership is flexible: customers may choose a monthly subscription or a single‑day pass, with the ability to cancel at any moment without penalties. Pricing details and the latest promotions are available on the NOW website. In summary, the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid promises a thrilling mix of high‑speed racing, strategic battles, and fresh challenges for the world’s top drivers.
With clear weather, a demanding street circuit, and a comprehensive viewing package across TV, apps and streaming, fans have numerous ways to experience the action live. Whether you are a Sky subscriber, a NOW streamer, or simply following the live blog on the go, the weekend offers plenty of opportunities to stay connected to every twist and turn of this historic inaugural event at the Madring circuit.