The Madrid Grand Prix is yet to be officially confirmed, but details are already emerging. According to the latest rumors, Formula 1 would like the Madrid Grand Prix, expected to debut on the calendar in 2026, to take place as a night race under artificial lights. However, the race organizer prefers the traditional European race time, which is at 3:00 PM.
Formula 1 and Madrid clash over the GP schedule: another night event in 2026?
In July, Sergio Perez took part in a showrun organized by Red Bull in the center of Madrid, held at night. Formula 1’s goal is to have the Grand Prix under the same conditions, even though the circuit will be located to the north, in the IFEMA-Valdebebas area.
The layout will be five kilometers long and wind around the IFEMA pavilions, which is the most important entity responsible for organizing fairs, exhibitions, and conferences in Madrid, with the finish line in front of the main building.
The circuit will then cross the M-11 highway towards Valdebebas, running parallel to Real Madrid ciudad deportiva, the sports center of the Blaugrana, also passing through the area of the former Mad Cool festival before returning to the pavilions.
The intention is to replicate what was seen in Las Vegas this year, trying to position the race at the best possible TV time to increase viewership. In 2024, there will already be six night races, respectively in Sakhir, Jeddah, Singapore, Losail, Abu Dhabi, and Las Vegas. If Madrid also hosts a night race, the 2026 calendar will feature a total of 7 night Grand Prix races.
Source: f1ingenerale
