Formula 1 returns to Madrid on 11–13 September 2026 for the first time since 1981 — the last Spanish Grand Prix held in the capital took place at the Jarama circuit. This edition is the inaugural race at MADRING, a purpose-built semi-urban circuit located at the IFEMA fairgrounds in Valdebebas, north-east Madrid, close to Barajas Airport. It is Round 16 of 24 in the 2026 F1 World Championship calendar, and will take place in front of an expected crowd of up to 140,000 spectators per day.
What it is
The MADRING circuit stretches 5.47 kilometres across 22 corners, with a hybrid layout: approximately 75% permanent track and 25% public roads integrated into the course. Its defining feature is the Peraltada Monumental, a steeply banked curve inspired by the architecture of traditional Spanish bullrings — 547 metres long with 24% inclination, making it the longest banked corner in the world under the new 2026 F1 technical regulations. Cars are expected to reach average qualifying speeds of around 213 km/h.
The weekend programme runs across three days.
Friday 11 September: FIA Formula 3 and Formula 2 free practice, followed by F1 Free Practice 1 and Free Practice 2.
Saturday 12 September: F3 and F2 qualifying, F1 Free Practice 3 and Qualifying at 15:00.
Sunday 13 September: F3 and F2 feature races, then the F1 race at 15:00.
Formula 2 and Formula 3 races run as support events across all three days.
Why it's worth attending
The significance of this race is hard to overstate for Spanish motor sport fans. Carlos Sainz, the official ambassador of the Spanish Grand Prix, will race on home soil for the first time in his F1 career, alongside fellow Spanish driver Fernando Alonso. A 10-year contract (2026–2035) guarantees the race's presence in Madrid for at least a decade, but the debut edition carries a specific energy that subsequent races won't replicate.
MADRING is also positioned as the most accessible circuit on the F1 calendar: 20 minutes from Madrid city centre and 5 minutes from Barajas Airport by public transport.
The fan zones are substantial — live DJs, local food and drink, simulators and entertainment across all three days — and the circuit design allows spectators in most grandstands to watch multiple sections of the track simultaneously. A note on the Gold grandstand: the first rows on the Peraltada Monumental banking are not covered, which matters for September sun.
Practical info
The circuit is at Avenida del Partenón 5, 28042 Madrid, within the IFEMA fairgrounds. It is served by Metro Line 8 (IFEMA station, a direct line from Nuevos Ministerios and connecting to the airport) and by Renfe Cercanías, bus and taxi.
No public parking is available at or near the venue; public transport is strongly recommended and will handle the volume. Gates open at 08:00 daily. Re-entry is not permitted once your ticket has been validated.
Ticket categories: Pelouse (General Admission) — standing areas with track views, no assigned seat, freedom to move; Bronze Grandstand — reserved seats in general areas; Silver and Silver Plus Grandstands — reserved seats at key corners and overtaking points; Gold Grandstand — main straight, views of the pit lane, start–finish line and podium, with covered seating in most rows. Three-day passes are available; single-day tickets also on sale.
Hospitality packages from specialist partner Match Hospitality are available. As of mid-2026, around 70% of available F1 Madrid tickets had already been sold.
FAQ
How do I get to MADRING without a car?
Metro Line 8 stops at IFEMA station, 20 minutes from city centre and 5 minutes from Barajas Airport. Renfe Cercanías, buses and taxis also serve the venue. No parking is available.
What's included in my ticket — does it cover all sessions or just the race?
A standard weekend pass covers all sessions across all three days. Single-day tickets are available for each day separately. Check your ticket type at purchase.
Can I bring my own food and drink?
No. Outside food and drink are not permitted inside the venue. A range of food and drink options, including a tapas and beer fan zone experience, is available on-site.
Is the Gold grandstand on the Peraltada covered from the sun?
Most Gold grandstand rows are covered, but the first rows on the banked section of the Peraltada Monumental are not. Check the specific sector when buying.
Are there accessible viewing areas for people with reduced mobility?
Yes. PRM tickets are available via a dedicated link at ticketsf1.madring.com. Companions must purchase tickets in the same transaction. A certified MIP card (33% or higher disability level) is required.
