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 event of the 2026 season. The freshly laid‑out 3.365‑kilometre track, dubbed Madring, promises blistering speeds and a unique set of challenges that have already sparked lively discussion among teams, drivers, and fans alike.
The circuit’s most striking feature is a sweeping, heavily banked corner with a 24‑percent gradient, a design element rarely seen in modern Formula 1 layouts. This steeply inclined turn will test the drivers’ precision and courage, as staying on the racing line without brushing the barriers will be a demanding task throughout the weekend.
In addition, the overall layout is characterised by long straights punctuated by fast, flowing bends, meaning that outright speed will be on a premium and overtaking opportunities may be limited. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli, who clinched victory at the previous race in Monza, will head into Madrid with a comfortable cushion. After a spectacular drive that saw him surge from 19th on the grid to the top step of the podium, Antonelli extended his lead to 66 points over George Russell, 76 points over Lewis Hamilton, and 96 points over Lando Norris. While Antonelli’s form looks strong, the new circuit could level the playing field.
Mercedes, which dominated at Monza with a one‑two finish, may not enjoy the same advantage on a street course that favours high‑downforce setups and driver finesse. Russell, Hamilton and Norris will be eager to close the gap, especially given the expectation that the traditional Mercedes advantage will be muted. The street circuit’s tight corners and the high‑banked turn will demand a different approach, potentially rewarding teams that excel at tyre management and aerodynamic efficiency.
The drivers themselves have already hinted at the difficulty of overtaking on this layout; Hamilton, in particular, warned that qualifying position will be crucial, as gaining places on track could prove extremely challenging. The weekend is not limited to Formula 1 alone.
The final round of the 2026 Formula 3 Championship will also be contested in Madrid, featuring three races that will run alongside the main event. Meanwhile, Formula 2 will be on the schedule, promising an action‑packed program that will keep motorsport enthusiasts busy from Friday through Sunday. Weather forecasts for the weekend are optimistic, with clear skies and temperatures hovering around 32 °C.
Organisers expect dry conditions, meaning that teams will not have to contend with rain‑induced strategy shifts, allowing them to focus on extracting maximum performance from their cars on a fast, dry track. Below is the detailed timetable for the three‑day weekend: **Saturday, 12 September** - 10:00 am – Formula 3 Sprint Race - 11:00 am – Spanish Grand Prix Practice Three (official session begins at 11:30 am) - 1:10 pm – Formula 2 Sprint Race - 2:15 pm – Build‑up to Spanish Grand Prix Qualifying - 3:00 pm – Spanish Grand Prix Qualifying (also broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event) - 4:55 pm – Formula 3 Feature Race 1 - 6:00 pm – Ted’s Qualifying Notebook (analysis segment) **Sunday, 13 September** - 8:40 am – Formula 3 Feature Race 2 - 10:20 am – Formula 2 Feature Race - 12:30 pm – Build‑up to the Grand Prix (pre‑race coverage) - 2:00 pm – The Spanish Grand Prix (main race) - 4:00 pm – Chequered‑Flag Reaction Segment (post‑race analysis) - 5:00 pm – Ted’s Notebook (final thoughts) For viewers, Sky Sports remains the primary broadcaster. Sky customers can tune in to Sky Sports F1 from the first practice session on Friday afternoon through to the race itself on Sunday at 2 pm. The Sky Sports app also offers a live stream, complete with the option to follow any driver’s onboard feed for a more immersive experience.
Those without a Sky subscription have alternatives. The NOW streaming service provides a flexible, contract‑free way to watch the entire weekend. Users can purchase a Day Pass for a single‑event viewing or a Month Pass for broader access, both of which can be cancelled at any time. NOW delivers all 12 Sky Sports channels, including Sky Sports+, and can be accessed on over 60 devices, making it convenient for fans on the move.
In addition to live coverage, Sky Sports offers a dedicated F1 live blog for real‑time updates, as well as highlight reels that become available shortly after the chequered flag. Subscribers can also benefit from Sky iD assistance to manage their account and access the service across devices. To ensure the best viewing experience, Sky recommends using the Chrome browser for its video player, which provides greater accessibility and smoother playback. In summary, the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid will showcase a brand‑new, high‑speed street circuit that promises to challenge drivers and thrill fans.
With a packed schedule that includes Formula 3 and Formula 2 action, clear weather, and multiple viewing options—from traditional TV to flexible streaming—there are plenty of ways to follow the drama as Kimi Antonelli aims to consolidate his championship lead and his rivals strive to close the gap on this demanding new track.