Name and Details of New Spanish GP Revealed

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chase Campbell | Last updated Mar 10, 2025 2:50 PM ET

On Monday, the name and brand of the newest circuit on the Formula 1 calendar was revealed to mixed reactions.

Starting in 2026, "MADRING" will be the host of the Spanish Grand Prix, replacing the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The name was revealed by race promoters Monday, with more details about the course to be announced closer to next season. The race has a ten-year contract, meaning it will be run every season until at least 2035.

“Formula 1 circuits are typically referred to by the city or region where they are located—Monza, Imola, Interlagos, Spa, Silverstone, Miami, Las Vegas,” a release from MADRING communications said. “However, their full official names are rarely used. For this reason, MADRING aims to establish a concise and memorable identity that directly references its host city, is instantly recognisable worldwide, and requires no translation.”

The same release identifies three races it’s attempting to emulate in spectacle — Abu Dhabi, Las Vegas and Miami.

The track will feature 22 corners and span 5.4 km, with an estimated qualifying time of 1 minute and 34 seconds. It will feature a banked turn and over 1 km of racing on public roads.

Fans were less than enthusiastic about the news.

"Looks very bad sadly," one fan replied on X.

"The name is horrendous but I'd love to go," said another.

“They need to stop adding street circuits, this is F1 not Formula E," was one comment and there were many like it, expressing frustration at the number of tight street circuits on the Formula 1 calendar.

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Madrid last hosted a Formula 1 Grand Prix in 1981, at the Circuito del Jarama permanent track. Madrid will be the only world capital to feature a Grand Prix when it debuts in 2026.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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