The 2026 F1 Spanish GP will debut a new track on the F1 calendar, the MADRING circuit. Circuit construction has moved forward since April 2025, with the team providing consistent updates on the path to the 2026 debut. The circuit has reached yet another key milestone in its construction as asphalt now covers La Monumental, the standout feature of the new MADRING track.
Longest corner on the F1 calendar: La Monumental
The MADRING circuit will feature the longest corner on the 2026 F1 calendar, La Monumental. Turn 12 of the track measures 550 metres in length and has a maximum height of 10 metres. The corner is shaped as a semicircle and aims to redefine the concept of an F1 corner. This will be a challenging corner for drivers, as it features 24% banking, and they will reportedly need to spend approximately six seconds going through it.
The toughest technical challenge of the project
Paving the first base layer of Turn 12 stands as the MADRING circuit’s most demanding technical task ahead of its debut at the 2026 F1 Spanish GP. The steep banking and geometry of La Monumental made constructing the corner complex and required pinpoint accuracy.
To overcome this technical challenge, the team utilised an unconventional operational setup. Two state-of-the-art pavers worked in synchrony across the layout of the corner. This ensured the continuity and uniformity of the asphalt throughout La Monumental.
Crews used over 1,800 cubic metres of asphalt mix to construct La Monumental. This is equivalent to covering the entire grass pitch of the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium with a 25‑centimetre layer.
A 100% ‘made in Madrid’ asphalt mix forms the surface of the iconic La Monumental. Following production at the Vicálvaro plant, the asphalt hit the track at a precise 170 degrees. This precise condition meant that its usable time is less than 30 minutes after its production. Hence, the plant’s proximity to the MADRING circuit was critical to optimise logistics and ensure the quality of the asphalt laid.
Construction continues ahead of MADRING’s debut at the 2026 F1 Spanish GP
Madrid’s new MADRING track will host the 2026 F1 Spanish GP from 11–13 September 2026. Construction of the track continues across all phases ahead of hosting its maiden F1 GP, with layouts of the remaining Valdebebas areas underway. The intermediate asphalt layer is scheduled to wrap up by April.
Construction of the Pit Building is reportedly progressing steadily, with the team’s future garages now visible from the outside.
