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Inside the F1 2026 Spanish GP Debut: What You Need to Know

Formula 1 undergoes a historic shift as the Spanish Grand Prix moves to a brand-new street circuit in Madrid. Here is the complete schedule and key details.

WhyThisBuzz DeskSep 12, 20262 min read
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For the first time in over four decades, Formula 1 returns to the Spanish capital. The 14th round of the 2026 season marks a monumental shift as the Spanish Grand Prix moves from its long-term home in Barcelona to the brand-new, semi-permanent "Madring" circuit in Madrid.

With drivers navigating an entirely unfamiliar layout, the stakes for Saturday's qualifying and Sunday's main race could not be higher. Here is everything you need to know about this landmark racing weekend.

Inside the New "Madring" Circuit

The relocation to Madrid’s IFEMA exhibition complex breaks a decades-long tradition in Barcelona. The new 5.47-kilometer semi-permanent track features 22 challenging corners and a signature banked curve called "La Monumental," designed to push aerodynamic limits.

Initial concerns that the tight street circuit would act as a "car destroyer" have largely subsided after Friday’s practice sessions, which saw only one minor incident involving Arvid Lindblad. Instead, drivers like George Russell (who topped FP1) and Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli (who led FP2) have quickly adapted, setting the stage for an unpredictable qualifying session.

Championship Stakes and Drivers to Watch

All eyes are on 20-year-old sensation Kimi Antonelli. Fresh off an impressive victory at the Italian Grand Prix, the Mercedes driver sits comfortably at the top of the standings with a 66-point lead.

Meanwhile, Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto is hunting for crucial points in his Audi, starting from a solid baseline after finishing 11th and 13th in the opening practice sessions. With seasoned champions like Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, and local hero Fernando Alonso adjusting to the new asphalt, Madrid’s inaugural grid setup will be highly contested.

F1 Spanish GP: Full Schedule & Broadcast Times

Fans can follow the action live across television and digital platforms. Here are the official session times (Brasília Time, BRT):

  • Qualifying (Classificação): Saturday, September 12 at 11:00 AM on sportv3.
  • The Grand Prix (Corrida): Sunday, September 13 at 10:00 AM on TV Globo (free-to-air) and sportv3.

Digital coverage and real-time updates will also be available on ge.globo throughout the weekend.

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