City: Madrid, Spain
Circuit: Madring
Date: September 11 – 13, 2026
Brand new for 2026, the Madring is Formula 1's latest addition to the calendar, a purpose-built street circuit in the Spanish capital that brings the Grand Prix back to Madrid for the first time since 1981. Winding through one of Europe's most dynamic and design-forward cities, the circuit promises the drama of a street race with the spectacle of a world-class location. Madrid's arrival marks one of the most significant new chapters on the F1 calendar in years.
City Rating: ★★★★★ Race Experience: Unrated — New Circuit
Our Verdict: Go for the City — Race Rating TBD
THE CITY
Madrid is one of Europe's great capitals, a city of extraordinary art, late-night energy and one of the world's best food cultures. The Prado museum houses Velázquez, Goya and El Greco. The Reina Sofía has Picasso's Guernica. The Royal Palace is the largest in Western Europe. But Madrid's real magic is its street life, the tapas bars of La Latina, the Sunday rastro market, the rooftop bars and the city's unapologetic love of a long lunch. Madrid is also genuinely warm and welcoming to visitors from all backgrounds.
PRACTICAL FOR AFRICAN TRAVELLERS
Mid-September in Madrid is excellent. It’s warm, dry and sunny, so expect temperatures around 25 – 28°C. The city is easy to navigate by metro. Fly direct or via London, Paris or Amsterdam. The Madring circuit is brand new for 2026, so transport logistics are still being confirmed but Madrid's infrastructure is excellent.
WHAT TO EAT
Madrid's food scene is world-class. Cocido Madrileño (a chickpea stew) is the city's signature dish. Jamón ibérico is a revelation. The Mercado de San Miguel near Plaza Mayor is an excellent starting point for exploration. Eating happens late, so expect lunch at 2–4pm, and dinner rarely before 9pm.
THE RACE EXPERIENCE
We genuinely cannot rate this race yet, because the Madring is brand new and we have no data on how the circuit races, what the fan experience looks like or how Madrid as a race host performs. What we do know is that Madrid as a city is a five-star destination. We will update our rating after the 2026 race.
THE HONEST WORD
Being first to a new race has its own appeal, you get to experience history in the making. The circuit could be brilliant or it could take a few years to find its feet. Madrid the city, however, needs no time at all.