After more than 40 years, the Spanish capital of Madrid will be hosting the Formula 1 Grand Prix from September 11th to the 13th. Here’s what you need to know if you plan on attending.
It is expected that Madrid will welcome around 80,000 visitors for the event – approximately 45,000 international visitors from abroad and another 35,000 from other destinations in Spain.
The main markets that have purchased tickets are the United Kingdom, the United States, Mexico, and France. Other significant countries include Portugal, Argentina, Colombia, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and Australia.
If you’re one of the thousands of fans going to the capital in just under two weeks’ time, here’s everything you need to know about the event.
Where will the races take place?
The event will be held at the new MADRING street circuit, located in the IFEMA-Valdebebas area. It comprises one small section of urban racing along three streets – Calle de la Ribera del Sena, Vía de Dublín, and a short section of Calle de Francisco Umbral.
The MADRING is a 5.4-kilometre stretch, which can be covered in an average time of 1:34.4 at speeds between 300 and 340 km/h. In fact, it’s already looking likely to be one of the fastest urban circuits. The track is designed for a total of 57 laps at top speed.
General view of the site of the new Madring Formula One circuit in Madrid, on September 2, 2026. (Photo by Thomas COEX / AFP)
How do I get there?
The circuit is a five-minute drive from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, but it’s very easy to get there on public transport as well, with around 90 percent of spectators expected to do so.
The easiest way is via metro line 8, which stops at Feria de Madrid station, providing direct access to the South Gate of the Ifema trade fair grounds.
It’s also possible to reach the circuit using the C1 cercanías rail line. This line has a stop in Valdebebas, which also provides direct access to the area.
The C1 also stops at central locations such as Atocha, Recoletos, Nuevos Ministerios, and Chamartín.
You can also reach the circuit via an extensive bus network with several stops throughout the city.
When will the races be held?
The whole Formula 1 event gets underway on Friday, September 11th, with the first practice session on between 1:30pm and 2:30pm.
The second practice session will take place that same day between 5pm and 6pm.
On Saturday the 12th, the third practice session will take place from 12:30pm to 13:30pm, before one of the big events of the weekend.
This will be the qualifying session for the Madrid Grand Prix on the same day, which is scheduled between 4pm and 5pm.
The final and biggest day of the event will be Sunday, September 13th. A drivers’ parade will take place between 1pm and 1:30pm, while the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix race itself will begin at 3pm and end around 5pm.
Formula 2 will also join F1. Practice sessions will begin on Friday the 11th at 11:05am, while qualifying races will take place later that day at 3pm. The F2 Sprint Race will be held on Saturday the 12th between 2:15pm and 3:05pm. The main race will take place on Sunday the 13th, starting at 11:25am and finishing at around 12:30pm.
The Formula 3 races will begin earlier. The first practice session is scheduled for Friday, September 11th, between 9:55am and 10:40am while qualifying races will take place that same afternoon, between 6:25pm and 7:15pm. The F3 Sprint race will be held on Saturday, September 12th from 11:05am to 11:50am.
Finally, the main race will be held on Sunday between 9:45am and 10:35am, making it the first of the day before the other races.
Are there any other events for fans?
Yes, there will be several concerts and foodie events running in conjunction with the F1 Grand Prix.
There will be six different official Madrid GP fan zones. These will be hosting various events such as tapas and beer experiences, as well as live DJs and dance floors.
There will also be street food stalls, dishes from famous chefs, as well as various activities such as simulators and exhibitions.
Of course, there will be several big screens around the venue too for fans to watch too.
According to Madrid regional President Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the Spanish Formula 1 Grand Prix will generate around €450 million and provide around 8,000 direct and indirect jobs in the region.
Despite this, not everyone is happy about Formula 1 coming to Madrid.
One of the major controversies surrounding the event is the amount of noise generated by cars and the impact they can have on locals.
Residents of the Alameda de Osuna neighbourhood have had ongoing complaints about the high level of noise pollution generated by the event.
