Formula 1 is back in Madrid. From 11-13 September 2026, the Spanish capital will once again host a Grand Prix after a 45-year absence. This time it debuts a new stage: MADRING, a 5.4-kilometre, 22-turn circuit built around the IFEMA Madrid exhibition centre and Valdebebas.
Not only will there be three days of racing, but also a host of activities, food, and experiences designed to keep everyone entertained long before the lights go out.
Before You Go: Understand the MADRING Map
MADRING is divided into two independent sectors, North and South, and it is not possible to travel on foot from one to the other from inside the venue. The location of your ticketed entrance will determine the route you need to take.
It’s worth checking the official map before you leave home. As well as identifying your grandstand and the corresponding access gate, it allows you to locate the main public transport stations and the basic services of the venue: food and drink, medical assistance, rest areas, water fountains, toilets, lockers, and information points.
And there will be a particularly recognisable place for fans of the Blue Oval.
Ford Has Its Own Fan Zone at MADRING
We will have a huge fan zone with plenty of activities – including an off-road circuit with obstacles and technical tests, providing visitors with the opportunity to experience Ford vehicles and test their control, traction, and responsiveness on demanding terrain.
There will be classic cars, interactive spaces, entertainment, and surprises throughout the weekend.
Practical Guide: Five Key Things to Know
1. Arrive early. General access to the venue will be open from 8:00 to 20:00, while the fan zone activities will run between 10:00 and 19:00. On Friday, Formula 1 will be on track at 13:30 and 17:00; on Saturday, qualifying will start at 16:00; and on Sunday the race will start at 15:00, after the drivers' parade scheduled for 13:00. Checking the programme again before attending, as it may be updated.
2. Check if your ticket is for MADRING North or South. In the South sector, the main reference is the Feria de Madrid station on Metro line 8. For MADRING North, the main station is Valdebebas, on the C-1 Cercanías train line.
3. If you live in Madrid, prioritise public transport. The Metro and Cercanías trains will be the most direct options, complemented by buses and shuttle services from key transport hubs. Local authorities have recommended using the Metro to get to the Grand Prix.
4. If you are coming from outside Madrid, plan your journey according to your ticket. From the main train stations, you can connect to Valdebebas via the Cercanías train network. Those arriving by plane also have Metro line 8 to travel from the airport to Feria de Madrid.
5. If you go by car, there will be no general parking for private vehicles within the venue. The official alternative is to reserve a space at the Metropolitano Stadium, which is connected to MADRING by shuttle buses and is subject to availability. If you are travelling in an electric vehicle, IFEMA has the infrastructure to charge 34 vehicles simultaneously, although access restrictions during the Grand Prix may limit its usefulness. Madrid City Council also offers an updated map of public charging points.
All that's left then is to enjoy the atmosphere, discover what Ford has in store, and find the best spot from which to watch the 22 cars take on La Monumental for the first time.
