As the countdown to next season’s Spanish Grand Prix begins, excitement is mounting with the announcement that the new Formula 1 track in Madrid will be officially named “MADRING.”
Last June, Formula 1 revealed that starting in 2026, the Spanish Grand Prix would shift its location to a brand-new circuit in Madrid, backed by a decade-long agreement. This significant move may mean bidding farewell to Barcelona’s place on the F1 calendar.
The new Madrid venue will take over from the well-known Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, which has been the race’s home since 1991. It’s noteworthy that the last time F1 cars roared near Madrid was back in 1981 at the legendary Jarama track on the outskirts of the city.
Slated to debut next year, this 5.4-kilometer circuit weaves through a network of exhibition halls near Madrid’s main airport. It cleverly integrates existing roadways with sections specifically designed for racing. Organizers have declared that the name “MADRING” will grace this exciting new track.
Marking a historic first, Madrid stands out as the only major European capital to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix. The unique name “MADRING” combines “Madrid” with “ring,” nodding to the racing jargon familiar within the F1 community. Enthusiasts can look forward to a vibrant array of Formula 1-themed festivities enveloping the city before, during, and after the racing weekend, promising to infuse the entire region with the exhilarating spirit of F1.
Located in the convenient IFEMA MADRID-Valdebebas area, a mere five-minute drive from the airport and nestled within the urban core, the circuit is highly accessible. Fans will find it a breeze to get there using public transport options like buses, trains, and the metro, sparing the necessity of personal vehicles.
Typically, F1 circuits are named after their respective cities or regions—such familiar names include Monza, Imola, Interlagos, Spa, and Silverstone. Yet, their full official appellations aren’t often used. With “MADRING,” there’s a keen intent to establish a straightforward, easily remembered identity that ties directly to its host city—one that resonates globally with no need for translation.
