Five first impressions of F1's new Madring circuit
Formula 1 is preparing for the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madring circuit, which features a unique banked corner called La Monumental. Drivers and teams are bracing for a technically demanding weekend on the new track.
Why it matters
The introduction of a new F1 circuit significantly impacts the racing calendar and provides a new technical challenge for teams and drivers.
Formula 1 Five first impressions of F1's new Madring circuit Jon Noble 10 Sep 2026 — 4 min read The new Madring circuit that hosts this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix is Formula 1’s first new circuit since Las Vegas in 2023.
While officially also a street circuit, as it runs around the IFEMA Exhibition Centre space near Madrid's main airport, half of it is more like a permanent venue as it winds its way towards the iconic La Monumental banked turn.
The elevation change is impressive too - with an 8% gradient uphill from Turn 7 to Turn 8 alone - looking even more spectacular in real life than it probably does in photos.
While drivers still have another 24 hours to go before they take to the track proper, some clear first impressions have emerged that show why F1 is bracing itself for what could be a challenging weekend.
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