In Pictures: Spain 2026 - Madrid
A new circuit joined the Formula 1 calendar in 2026. The Spanish Grand Prix was the first Grand Prix held at the Madring, the track built in the Spanish capital that combines a street section running between the buildings of the exhibition district with a second, permanent section. The circuit is 5.416 km (3.365 miles) long and features 22 corners, including the “Monumental,” a 550-meter (1,804-foot) turn characterized by a 24% banking.
The start-finish line and Turn 1 are separated by just 200 meters (656 feet). The first sector is very fast and leads into a second section featuring several medium- and low-speed corners, including the banked Turn 12. The final part of the lap also includes a number of 90-degree corners similar to those drivers encounter in Baku.
From an energy perspective, the Madrid circuit ranks among the five most demanding on the calendar, with lateral forces comparable in intensity to those recorded at Barcelona and Silverstone. The “Monumental” generates the highest vertical load of the season, not only because of its banking but also because of its length.
Another distinctive feature of the circuit is its elevation change. The highest point is located at Turn 7, approximately 700 meters (2,297 feet) above sea level. The section leading up to it, beginning at Turn 6, features an 8% gradient and an elevation gain of 10 meters (33 feet). The lowest point of the circuit is at Turn 2, with a height difference of 26 meters (85 feet) compared with Turn 7.
Formula 1 had previously raced in the Madrid region. Between 1968 and 1981, nine editions of the Spanish Grand Prix were held at the Jarama circuit, located 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) from the capital. The driver with the most victories at the San Sebastián de los Reyes venue is Mario Andretti, with two, while Lotus tops the constructors’ list with four wins.
FRIDAY
Championship leader Kimi Antonelli ended the opening day at the new Madring circuit at the top of the timesheets. The young Italian set the benchmark with a lap of 1:33.662, recorded during the second free practice session, the only session of the day to be interrupted by a red flag. Charles Leclerc finished second, 0.113 seconds behind Antonelli, ahead of team-mate Lewis Hamilton, who posted a 1:33.811 and narrowly avoided the barriers on the exit of Turn 17.
Arvid Lindblad, fourth fastest, was responsible for the session stoppage after crashing into the barriers at Turn 13. George Russell, fifth in FP2, had dominated the opening session with a time of 1:34.077. The first hour of running featured numerous lap times deleted for track-limits infringements, but no interruptions.
Temperatures were high throughout the day, with track temperature peaking at 51°C (123.8°F) at the start of the second free practice session, while the air temperature reached 32°C (89.6°F).
SATURDAY
FP3 was interrupted by two red flags following incidents involving Lewis Hamilton and Oliver Bearman. At the end of the session, Antonelli was the fastest with a time of 1:32.797, ahead of Leclerc in second on 1:32.963 and Oscar Piastri in third with a 1:32.986.
Later in the day, Lando Norris claimed the first pole position at Madrid’s new circuit, snatching it from Kimi Antonelli in the closing stages of qualifying. The reigning World Champion topped the session with a time of 1:31.824. The Mercedes driver secured second place with a 1:31.835, while Max Verstappen was third after stopping the clock at 1:31.964.
Qualifying took place in temperatures that reached 32°C (89.6°F) ambient and 53°C (127.4°F) on track.
For Norris, it was his third pole position of the season. The McLaren driver improved his benchmark on his final flying lap, securing top spot at the end of a qualifying session that remained finely balanced until the very last moment.
SUNDAY
Kimi Antonelli won the first Formula 1 race at the Madring. The Mercedes driver finished ahead of Max Verstappen and Lando Norris to claim victory in the Spanish Grand Prix. With this success, Antonelli also extended his lead in the World Championship standings. His closest title rival and team-mate, George Russell, finished the race in fifth place.
This was Antonelli’s eighth win of the season and the eighth of his Formula 1 career.
“It’s good to win, but it doesn’t feel as good because I think Lando today deserved to win,” said Antonelli.
Media courtesy of Pirelli S.p.A., Getty Images, DPPI, and the official Formula 1 team press offices. All images are provided via Getty Images through the respective team media platforms and are credited to their rightful copyright holders. Photos not for sale.
