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

Formula 1 is set to make its debut on a brand-new street circuit in Madrid, hosting the Spanish Grand Prix as the final European round of the 2026 season. The freshly laid out 3.365‑kilometre Madring track is a high‑speed, adrenaline‑pumping layout that has already generated a buzz among fans and pundits alike.

Its most striking feature is a sweeping, heavily banked corner with a 24‑percent gradient, a design element that promises to test drivers’ precision and bravery as they fight to keep their cars on the racing line rather than slamming into the barriers. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli, who clinched victory at the previous race in Monza, entered Madrid with a comfortable lead.

After a spectacular drive that saw him climb from 19th on the grid to the top step of the podium, Antonelli extended his points advantage to 66 over George Russell, 76 over Lewis Hamilton, and a sizable 96 ahead of Lando Norris. The standings set the stage for a tense showdown, especially because the Mercedes team, which dominated at Monza with a one‑two finish, does not appear to have a clear advantage on the new street layout. Russell, Hamilton and Norris will be eager to close the gap, knowing that a strong performance in Madrid could dramatically reshape the championship battle.

The weekend is not limited to Formula 1; it also features the concluding round of the 2026 Formula 3 Championship, which will run three races, and a full slate of Formula 2 action. This makes the Madrid event a packed, multi‑category festival for motorsport enthusiasts. The schedule is meticulously planned, offering fans a continuous stream of on‑track drama from Thursday through Sunday.

**Thursday – 10 September** - 14:00 – Drivers’ press conference where the grid will discuss expectations for the new circuit. - 17:00 – Paddock Uncut, a behind‑the‑scenes look at team preparations. **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 12:30). - 12:55 – Formula 2 qualifying. - 14:40 – Team bosses’ press conference. - 15:45 – Spanish Grand Prix Practice Two (official start at 16:00).

- 17:20 – Formula 3 qualifying. - 18:20 – The F1 Show, a 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). - 13:10 – Formula 2 sprint race.

- 14:15 – Build‑up to the Grand Prix qualifying session. - 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, a detailed recap of the qualifying results. **Sunday – 13 September** - 08:40 – Formula 3 Feature Race 2.

- 10:20 – Formula 2 Feature Race. - 12:30 – Build‑up to the main event. - 14:00 – The Spanish Grand Prix proper begins.

- 16:00 – Chequered‑flag ceremony followed by a reaction segment. - 17:00 – Ted’s Notebook recap of the Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton has warned that overtaking on the narrow, high‑speed streets will be extremely difficult, making qualifying performance and track position crucial for a successful race. The weather forecast is favorable, with clear skies expected throughout the three‑day period and ambient temperatures hovering around 32 °C, reducing the likelihood of rain‑induced interruptions. **How to watch** - **Television**: Sky Sports F1 will broadcast every session, starting with Friday’s first practice and culminating with the Grand Prix on Sunday at 14:00.

- **Mobile & Desktop Apps**: Sky customers can stream the coverage via the Sky Sports app, which also offers a feature to “go onboard” with any driver for a more immersive experience. - **Streaming for non‑Sky viewers**: The NOW platform provides flexible, contract‑free options – a Day Pass or a Month Pass – granting access to all Sky Sports channels, including the dedicated F1 feed. NOW can be used on over 60 devices, making it easy to watch on smartphones, tablets, laptops, or smart TVs.

- **Live Blog**: For those on the move, a dedicated F1 live‑blog offers minute‑by‑minute updates, results and key moments throughout the weekend. - **Highlights**: Sky Sports subscribers can catch short highlight reels shortly after the race finishes via the Sky Sports app. - **Additional Support**: Sky iD assistance is available for users needing help locating or creating their Sky iD credentials. The Madrid street circuit represents a fresh challenge for drivers and teams alike, combining the excitement of a traditional city race with modern engineering feats such as the steeply banked corner.

With the championship still wide open, every point earned in Madrid could be decisive. Whether you are a die‑hard F1 fan, a follower of the junior formulas, or simply enjoy high‑octane motorsport, the Spanish Grand Prix promises an unforgettable weekend of racing action, expertly covered across multiple platforms for maximum accessibility.