Madrid's F1 circuit construction accelerates with pit building work and asphalt laying

Construction on Madrid's new street circuit, set to host the Spanish Grand Prix from 2026, is accelerating with work beginning on the key pit building and the first layer of asphalt being laid around the track. The 5.4km circuit, named 'Madring', will bring Formula 1 back to the Spanish capital for the first time in over 45 years, with local hero Carlos Sainz serving as its ambassador.

Why it matters:

The project marks a significant shift in Spain's F1 hosting strategy, moving the Grand Prix from the permanent Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya to a new street circuit in the heart of Madrid. This urban venue aims to leverage the city's global appeal and infrastructure to create a major spectacle, potentially reshaping the European leg of the F1 calendar.

The details:

• The new pit building, now under construction at the IFEMA MADRID exhibition centre, will house the team garages, FIA technical facilities, and the exclusive VIP Paddock Club.
• Track construction is progressing simultaneously, with the first foundational layer of asphalt being applied at various points around the 5.4km, 22-corner layout.
• Madrid-born driver Carlos Sainz, who recently tested a Williams FW45 on a section of the track, is the circuit's official ambassador and has been a vocal promoter of the project.

What's next:

With the inaugural race scheduled for September 2026, construction will continue at pace to meet FIA Grade 1 certification standards. The event is poised to be a major moment for Spanish motorsport, aiming to capture the energy of a city-based event while hoping to avoid the operational pitfalls that have challenged other street circuits. All eyes will be on the progress over the next two years as Madrid prepares for its F1 debut.