Madrid unveils video sim of 2026 Spanish GP 'Madring' track

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Promoters of the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid have released the first official video simulation of the new circuit, offering fans an early look at what’s in store for Formula 1’s future in the Spanish capital.

Known as the Mad-Ring, the future street circuit will loop around the Ifema event center in northeast Madrid, blending custom-built sections with stretches of public road.

Spanning nearly 5.5 kilometers, construction is set to begin this month, with completion targeted for May 2026.

Innovative Design and Racing Challenges

The video simulation highlights the Madring’s innovative layout, designed to deliver thrilling racing.

A standout feature is the Valdebebas corner, a steeply banked, high-speed right-hander at turn 10, drawing comparisons to Zandvoort’s Hugenholzbocht and Luyendykbocht but with higher cornering speeds sustained for longer.

This demanding corner will place significant strain on tyres, testing the durability of the new 2026 F1 cars built under revised power unit and chassis regulations.

Another eye-catching detail is Turn 5, a high-speed, slightly blind dip beneath the M11 motorway after a lengthy flat-out stretch — one of several elevation changes showcased in the simulation.

High-speed sections continue with turn 11, supported by a wide run-off area, followed by a sequence of quick corners leading to a sharp right-hander and another motorway underpass.

Strategically, the track could encourage aggressive race tactics. Its pit lane rejoins the circuit after the Turn 1-2 chicane, mirroring Jeddah’s configuration and minimizing pit loss time.

This opens the door for more varied pit strategies, especially under the new 2026 power unit and chassis regulations.

With a 10-year race deal secured, Madrid’s F1 debut in 2026 promises a visually striking and strategically rich venue poised to reshape the Spanish Grand Prix experience.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.