Formula 1 is heading to Madrid for the very first time in 2026, and with it comes a completely new challenge for the drivers.
The MADRING circuit is 5.416 kilometres long and features 22 corners, combining fast sections, heavy braking zones, elevation changes, public roads and one of the most unusual corners on the modern Formula 1 calendar.
But what is the lap actually like?
Where are the best overtaking opportunities? Which corners are the most difficult? And what should you look out for when watching the Spanish Grand Prix?
Let's take a lap around MADRING, from Turn 1 all the way to Turn 22.
The three sections you absolutely need to watch
Turns 1–5 : The overtaking battle
The opening sector combines a heavy braking zone, a slow corner, a high-speed section and another major braking zone.
Watch for: first-lap battles, late braking and overtakes into Turns 1 and 5.
Turns 6–13 : The technical middle section
This part of the lap contains the climb through Las Cárcavas, the blind summit at Turn 7, El Búnker and the spectacular La Monumental.
Watch for: driver confidence, elevation changes and the battle into Turn 13.
Turns 14–20 : High speed followed by heavy braking
The fast Las Enlazadas section leads directly into another major braking zone at Turn 17, followed later by Turn 20.
Watch for: drivers trying to stay close through the fast corners before attacking under braking.
What makes MADRING different?
MADRING combines several very different characteristics into one lap.
There are long straights, high-speed corners, slow technical sections, major braking zones, elevation changes and the unique 24% banking of La Monumental.
The track also moves between urban roads and the IFEMA area, giving different parts of the lap a very different feel.
For the teams, finding the right setup will be a major challenge. They need enough straight-line speed to attack and defend, while still having the aerodynamic performance required for the fast corners.
And because this is a brand-new Formula 1 venue, teams and drivers have no previous Grand Prix data from Madrid to rely on.
