HONDA The Power of Dreams

The Spanish Grand Prix is one of the historic events on the Formula 1® calendar, having first joined the FIA Formula One World Championship™ in 1951. In 2026, however, the event enters a new chapter.

Over the years, the Spanish Grand Prix has been hosted at circuits including Jarama, Jerez, and Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Beginning in 2026, the race moves to a newly constructed semi-street circuit in Spain’s capital, Madrid.

The approximately 5.4 km layout incorporates around 1.5 km of public roads and is centered around the IFEMA Madrid exhibition complex. The development reflects a broader trend in F1 toward high-profile urban events, following the successful introduction of city-based races in the United States and the Middle East. That trend has now expanded into Europe.

The Madrid event is contracted to remain on the F1 calendar through 2035 and is already being viewed as a showcase of both modern F1 and the championship’s future direction.

The main straight in front of the pits measures 589 meters, while the run from the start line to Turn 1 is approximately 200 meters.

Turns 1 and 2 form a chicane-like sequence that is expected to become one of the circuit’s primary overtaking opportunities. After the sweeping right-hand Turn 3, drivers encounter the fast Turn 4 before entering the chicane-style Turns 5 and 6, which pass beneath a highway overpass. This section was also designed with overtaking in mind and should provide plenty of action.

The circuit then climbs into an uphill section featuring a series of blind corners. Beyond them lies the signature corner of Madring: Turn 12, known as Monumental.

This long, high-speed banked corner features a 24 percent gradient and is surrounded by large grandstands. Often compared to a bullring in concept, Monumental is expected to become one of the circuit’s defining features, providing a dramatic setting for high-speed wheel-to-wheel battles.

Immediately after the banking, drivers face the sharp left-hand Turn 13, requiring heavy braking from speeds approaching 300 km/h.

The lap then flows through the fast Valdebebas esses before reaching the tight right-hand Turn 17, another likely overtaking opportunity.

From Turn 19 through the final corner, Turn 22, the circuit features a sequence of near right-angle corners. The final corner has been named “The Park” (Spanish: El Parque) after the adjacent Juan Carlos I Park.

With its significant elevation changes, complex layout, and numerous high-speed sections, Madring is designed to test every aspect of both driver and machine. As the circuit makes its Formula 1® debut in 2026, attention will focus on how drivers adapt to the new challenge and how the circuit is received by teams, competitors, and fans alike.