Formula 1 is set to debut on a brand‑new street circuit in Madrid for the Spanish Grand Prix, the last European round of the 2026 season. The freshly laid‑out track, dubbed the Madring, has already generated a buzz among fans and pundits because of its blistering speed and demanding layout.
Drivers will face a steep learning curve, especially the championship leader Kimi Antonelli, who clinched victory at the previous European event in Monza. Antonelli’s performance in the Italian Grand Prix was nothing short of spectacular: he surged from 19th on the grid to first place, extending his points lead to 66 over George Russell, 76 over Lewis Hamilton, and 96 over Lando Norris. Those three rivals will be eager to answer the challenge in Madrid, a venue where Mercedes‑powered cars are not expected to dominate as they did at Monza, where the team secured a one‑two finish.
The weekend will also host the concluding round of the 2026 Formula 3 Championship, featuring three separate races, and the Formula 2 series will be on the card as well, promising a packed schedule for motorsport enthusiasts. The new 3.365‑kilometre Madrian street circuit is distinguished by a very fast character and a dramatic, banked corner that tilts at a 24‑percent gradient. That corner alone will test drivers’ precision and bravery, as staying on the racing line without clipping the barriers will be a constant battle. Former champion Lewis Hamilton has already warned that overtaking opportunities will be scarce, meaning qualifying performance on Saturday will be crucial for a strong race finish.
Weather forecasts for the weekend are optimistic: clear, sunny skies are expected across all three days, with ambient temperatures hovering around 32 °C. The lack of rain should keep the track dry and fast, allowing teams to focus on setup rather than tyre management for wet conditions. Below is the detailed timetable for the Madrid 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 - 5:00 pm – Ted’s Notebook (post‑race wrap‑up) For the best viewing experience, Sky recommends using the Chrome browser to access the video player. How to watch: - **Television**: Sky subscribers can tune into Sky Sports F1 from the first practice session on Friday afternoon through to the Sunday race at 2 pm.
- **App**: The Sky Sports app also streams the entire weekend, with an optional feature that lets viewers “go onboard” with any driver for a more immersive experience. - **Streaming**: Non‑Sky customers may purchase a NOW Day pass or a flexible month‑to‑month membership to stream the action live. - **Live Blog**: For those on the move, a dedicated F1 live‑blog provides minute‑by‑minute updates throughout the weekend. - **Highlights**: Sky Sports app users can watch race highlights shortly after the chequered flag.
Sky Sports subscribers also have access to Sky ID assistance for account setup and management. NOW is Sky’s instant‑streaming platform, giving users access to all twelve Sky Sports channels, every Sky Sports+ stream, and additional on‑demand content. The service works on more than 60 devices and operates on a contract‑free basis, allowing members to cancel at any time. Customers can choose between a daily or monthly membership, with pricing details available on the NOW website.
In summary, the Spanish Grand Prix will take place on the new Madring circuit on Sunday, 13 September, with the race starting at 2 pm. The event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, and viewers can also stream via NOW without a long‑term contract. The combination of a high‑speed street layout, a steeply banked corner, and a sunny climate promises an exciting showdown for drivers and fans alike.