F1 News: Madrid Hybrid Circuit Designed To Challenge Drivers And Improve Racing

Formula 1 went through 24 track models to reach a final design, that will be "a good challenge for the drivers.”

The Spanish Grand Prix will be held on a hybrid street circuit in Madrid starting in 2026, similar to the model of the Miami circuit. This unique layout incorporates both street sections and a designated permanent track to deliver exciting high-speed racing.

F1's head of vehicle performance, Craig Wilson, who was involved in track design since the beginning of the Liberty Media era, starting in 2017, has been a significant contributor to the circuit layout. He sums up the Madrid hybrid circuit design as "a good challenge for the drivers".

To ensure an exciting racing spectacle for fans, the track has been segmented into two parts. The larger portion comprises the street roads around the exhibition building area, while the smaller section is plain land designated for the development of a permanent track.

Both sections will be easily distinguishable as they will be divided by an elevated highway. However, two tunnels running underneath will serve as a bridge connecting both parts of the hybrid circuit. Speaking on the nature of the new hybrid circuit in Madrid, Wilson told Formula1.com:

“It’s in between what you’d consider a normal street track layout and more towards a permanent circuit style layout.

“A lot of the places will have a temporary circuit-type installation, but then there are other sections which may look or feel a bit different depending on the final implementation decisions to suit the IFEMA site.”

Data and simulations were relied upon to craft a track, that serves as a foundation for high-speed Formula 1 racing. After evaluating approximately 24 track models, Wilson ultimately settled on a track concept that the sport could adopt. He explained:

“From the very first suggestion to where we’ve ended up, there’s been about 24 track models.

“But then there’s been numerous sub-model investigations and different details as well. We’ve now got a concept that we’re happy to proceed development with, and we’re very excited to see it take shape."

The Beginning of Spanish GP's Madrid Episode 

Yet, this marks just the beginning of the journey. Wilson emphasizes that there are several steps to be taken for the circuit to come to fruition. He continued:

“The next steps are that it now needs to go from concept into detailed design development.

“And importantly through the FIA submission and homologation process, and all the safety assessments, to achieve a Grade 1 track licence.

“As you start construction, it needs to go through all the inspections, while we have to work with the developers on all the planning, infrastructure, how the garages are going to be arranged, how the paddock layout specifics are going to be and all of our systems integration, so it’s the start of the journey.”

Delving into the circuit's technicalities, Wilson revealed that there is a consideration to bank the looping Turn 10 right-hander, similar to Zandvoort’s final turn, to create an overtaking opportunity. In addition, the degree of banking for Turn 10 is also being looked into, the profile to be adopted, and how subsequent Turns 11 and 12 can be transformed into a potential overtaking zone. 

The sequence through Turns 13 to 17, passing through the second tunnel and returning to the main exhibition area, is taken at high speed, with Wilson acknowledging it as an "ambitious" section.

IFEMA - Madrid Grand Prix