In photos: F1's inaugural Spanish GP arrives in Madrid

Formula 1 has officially arrived in Madrid for its inaugural Spanish Grand Prix, with the sport beginning its four-day residency at the new Madring street circuit. Thursday's media day offered the first glimpse of the hybrid track, which weaves past the IFEMA exhibition centre, blending tight technical sections with high-speed straights.

Why it matters:

This weekend marks a historic shift for the Spanish Grand Prix, as the event debuts in the capital after decades at Barcelona's Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The move to Madrid represents a bold new chapter for F1 in Spain, bringing the sport to the heart of the city and reflecting the country's growing enthusiasm for the championship. A successful debut could cement Madrid's place on the calendar for years to come.

The details:

• Teams and drivers gathered at the track on Thursday for media day, with the paddock getting its first proper look at the new venue.
• The Madring circuit is a hybrid layout, combining temporary street sections around the IFEMA exhibition centre with faster, purpose-built stretches.
• The track's mix of tight, technical corners and long straights is expected to test both low-speed grip and top-end power, making car setup a delicate balancing act.
• With the circuit located in the Spanish capital, the event is set to draw a large and passionate crowd, adding to the electric atmosphere of a brand-new race weekend.

What's next:

Track action gets underway on Friday with free practice, giving teams their first real opportunity to learn the Madring layout. As the championship battle continues to intensify, adapting quickly to the new circuit could prove decisive in what promises to be an unpredictable weekend.