Madrid’s new Madring circuit remains on schedule for its Formula 1 debut, according to Spanish Grand Prix director Luis García Abad, despite the intense pressure surrounding the final preparations. Speaking when 53 days remained before the event, the organiser confirmed that construction of the semi-permanent track had been completed and work was concentrating on grandstands, hospitality areas, the paddock and other temporary infrastructure.
The circuit, integrated into the IFEMA Madrid complex, met its crucial 31 May construction deadline despite periods of heavy rain. Attention has since shifted to transforming the finished track into a venue capable of accommodating Formula 1 teams and an estimated 120,000 ticket-holders for Madrid’s first Grand Prix in 45 years.
Madring remains on schedule for Madrid Formula 1 debut
Luis García Abad, who has considerable experience working on inaugural Grands Prix, expressed confidence in the progress being made while acknowledging the pressure created by the rapidly approaching race weekend.
“Those 53 days are a sword of Damocles that is getting closer, but last night, when I left the circuit, it already looked better than many first Grands Prix I have worked at,” Luis García Abad said.
The Spanish Grand Prix director stressed that the assembly schedule was being followed and argued that the challenge of combining IFEMA Madrid’s normal activity with construction of the circuit had created one of the world’s most experienced technical teams for this type of installation.
“We are on schedule,” Luis García Abad stated clearly. The assessment follows months of work on the venue, which had previously faced questions about whether it would be completed in time. The organisers had nevertheless continued to report progress towards Madring’s September 2026 Formula 1 debut.
Spanish Grand Prix ticket sales reach approximately 120,000
Ticket sales have also continued at a strong pace, with approximately 120,000 tickets already purchased. Luis García Abad joked about the extraordinary demand for the temporary structures required around the circuit.
“We have left the whole of Europe without grandstands. Yesterday, I went looking for grandstands in Poland,” he said.
However, the organisers’ objective is not to fill every available area at any cost. Their priority is to provide spectators with a positive experience while avoiding overcrowding during the venue’s first Formula 1 weekend.
“Our objective is not to overwhelm the site,” Luis García Abad explained. “We want people to come and enjoy the event and have the opportunity to attend the first Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid for 45 years.”
La Monumental will define the new Madring circuit
One feature expected to become the new circuit’s visual and technical signature is Turn 12, known as La Monumental. The long banked corner measures almost 550 metres and reaches a maximum gradient of 24 per cent.
Luis García Abad explained that the design reflected his longstanding enthusiasm for banked corners and his desire to give the Madrid circuit a distinctive challenge.
“I have always liked banked corners. It is true that I have had the opportunity to go to Indianapolis, Daytona and Zandvoort, so I have seen quite a few of them,” he said. “But I wanted an iconic corner—not because the car would slide at a certain speed, but because it would be something unique from a technical perspective.”
Turn 11 was deliberately included immediately before La Monumental to reduce the cars’ speed and prevent drivers from taking the banked section flat out.
“Turn 11 exists to reduce speed on the approach to Turn 12, La Monumental, so that drivers cannot enter it too quickly,” Luis García Abad added. “You need a certain amount of courage because there is a lot of lap time hidden at the exit of Turn 12 at Madring.”
Initial driver feedback has supported that assessment. According to the organiser, Charles Leclerc indicated that the corner could not be taken flat out and that the driver who came closest to its limit would produce the best time. The layout covers 57 race laps and features 22 corners, each with its own characteristics. A more detailed view of its main sections was previously provided when Carlos Sainz analysed the Madring layout.
Ferrari filming day provides valuable Madring feedback
Ferrari completed a filming day at the new circuit in early July, with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton sharing driving duties. The session gave the organisers their first opportunity to assess a current Formula 1 car on the completed layout while providing the Scuderia with valuable early experience of the venue.
The two Ferrari drivers completed 200 kilometres around the new Madrid circuit. Their feedback led to two minor adjustment proposals, which were also discussed with Formula 1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali during his visit to Madrid.
The development process has additionally benefited from input provided by experienced figures including Carlos Sainz Sr, Luis Pérez-Sala, David Coulthard and Mika Häkkinen.
“The level of compression for the driver is demanding, but it is nothing unusual,” Luis García Abad said. “Carlos Sainz Sr, Pérez-Sala, David Coulthard, Mika Häkkinen and many other drivers have visited the circuit, and we have listened to everything they told us.”
The organisers have also scheduled a Formula 3 test approximately one month before the Grand Prix, providing another opportunity to evaluate the venue and strengthen preparations ahead of its official competition debut.
The decisive phase of the project has therefore begun, with temporary facilities still being assembled and the countdown continuing. Nevertheless, Luis García Abad remains convinced that Madring is progressing according to plan and can deliver a high-level spectacle when Formula 1 arrives in the Spanish capital.
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