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The inaugural Madrid Formula 1 Grand Prix, set to take place at the newly unveiled ‘Madring’ circuit, has garnered significant attention following its official launch. Scheduled to run for a decade beginning in 2026, this development promises a vibrant addition to the F1 calendar.
The details of the circuit were unveiled during a public presentation that saw attendance from notable figures, including Isabel Diaz Ayuso, the president of the Community of Madrid, and Jose Luis Martinez Almeida, the mayor of Madrid. Williams driver Carlos Sainz, named the ambassador for Madring F1, was also present at the event.
The 2026 F1 Spanish Grand Prix will consist of 57 laps around the 5.4-kilometre circuit featuring 22 turns. An exciting highlight was the introduction of a virtual lap, allowing spectators a glimpse of what to expect once the circuit opens.
Rich in historical references to Madrid and Spain, the Madring circuit will launch with a 589-metre straight, highlighted as one of the lengthiest sections of the track. Following the start line, drivers will engage in a 202-metre sprint before approaching Turn 1. This segment, along with Turn 2, is expected to create opportunities for overtaking as cars decelerate from speeds of 320 km/h to around 100 km/h for the initial chicane.
Turn 3, called Curva de Hortaleza, is named after the adjacent Madrid neighborhood, marking the transition into the urban segment along Ribera de Sena street. Subsequent to Hortaleza, the track curves to the right through Turn 4, where a speed trap is anticipated to register around 340 km/h as competitors navigate the tight chicane at Turns 5 and 6, the prime overtaking zone on the entire track.
Continuing through the public road, the circuit navigates the Subida de las Carcavas, an 8% incline named after the local neighborhood. The section culminates in a sharp right-hand turn at El Bunker, situated near historic Civil War forts. This portion leads competitors into a purpose-built area at the Valdebebas festival grounds, previously the venue for the Mad Cool music festival.
A sweeping downhill progression through Turns 10 and 11 will allow modern F1 cars to unleash their full potential, but the most captivating segment of the Madring awaits.
Experience La Monumental: Madring’s Banked Curve
Introducing La Monumental, a steeply banked right-hand curve characterized by its semi-circular design, taking cues from Zandvoort’s Luyendyk corner and Madrid’s well-known bullfighting arena, Las Ventas. This curve features a gradient of 24%, spanning 550 metres, which drivers will traverse in just over five seconds at approximately 300 km/h. A grandstand on the outside will accommodate around 45,000 spectators for an up-close view of this exhilarating section.
A potential overtaking opportunity arises at Turn 13, a slow 84-degree left-hander that signals the beginning of the high-speed segment dubbed ‘Las Enlazadas de Valdebebas’, which winds around the training complex of football powerhouse Real Madrid. After reaching full speed through Turns 14, 15, and 16, competitors will then face another braking challenge at Turn 17.
The circuit will then move back under the motorway into the IFEMA fairgrounds where the paddock is situated. The subsequent Turn 18, known as Curva Norte, runs adjacent to the IFEMA North Convention Centre, providing hospitality services to visitors.
Transitioning into a more intricate, winding street course, drivers will navigate various pavilions leading to the final corner, Turn 22, dubbed The Park, adjacent to Juan Carlos I Park.
Construction on the Madring is slated to commence at the beginning of next month, with the goal of preparing for the inaugural event in September 2026. Madrid will join Barcelona on the F1 calendar for that year, likely solidifying its status as the sole Spanish venue in subsequent seasons.
A contract has been finalized with Spanish construction firm ACCIONA, holding a 60% stake, and France’s Eiffage Construction, with a 40% share, forming a joint venture to build the 5.47 km circuit, successfully alleviating concerns regarding the initial slow progress of the tender process.
Source
www.autosport.com