Madrid Announces New Formula 1 Circuit: The Madring
Madrid, Spain – The city has officially unveiled the Madring, a new Formula 1 circuit set to host the Spanish Grand Prix for the next decade, beginning in 2026. The announcement was made at a press event featuring key figures, including Isabel Diaz Ayuso, President of the Community of Madrid, and Jose Luis Martinez Almeida, Mayor of Madrid. Notably, Williams driver Carlos Sainz has been named the circuit’s ambassador.
The Madring will span 5.4 kilometers, featuring 22 turns over a total of 57 laps. It aims to enhance the racing experience with multiple overtaking opportunities, most notably through its unique design that pays homage to Madrid’s rich history.
The circuit opens with a significant 589-meter straight, followed by an anticipated sprint to its first turn. This initial section, especially between Turns 1 and 2, is expected to produce competitive overtaking as cars decelerate from speeds exceeding 320 km/h to 100 km/h for the first chicane.
Subsequent sections include the intricate Curva de Hortaleza, named after a local neighborhood, and a high-speed chicane beneath a motorway overpass at Turns 5-6, identified as one of the prime overtaking zones.
A striking feature will be La Monumental, a steeply banked curve modeled after the Zandvoort circuit and Madrid’s bullfighting arena. With a 24% gradient, it allows for high-speed navigation while offering seating for approximately 45,000 spectators.
Construction is set to commence in early November 2023, led by a joint venture between Spain’s ACCIONA and France’s Eiffage Construction. This development positions Madrid to join Barcelona on the F1 calendar for the inaugural race, but future editions may see Madrid as the single Spanish venue.
As excitement builds, the Madring is poised to become another iconic destination in the world of motorsports, promising challenging turns and thrilling racing for both drivers and fans alike.
