MADRID — Formula 1 will stage the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid on a new 57-lap circuit as the capital begins a 10-year tenure as host, taking over the moniker from Barcelona which will now operate on a biennial basis in the sport's latest move to bring racing to urban population centres.
The venue, referred to as the Madring, is presented as a two-headed monster of a layout that will require drivers and teams time to understand from an engineering perspective, with initial concept renderings pointing to a demanding mix of characteristics.
That dual nature is expected to force compromises on car setup, as teams weigh straight-line speed and efficiency against the grip and stability needed through tighter, more technical sequences.
The long-term agreement provides a stable platform for the Spanish Grand Prix to build its identity in Madrid, while offering teams and drivers a fresh technical challenge as they prepare for the circuit's debut on the Formula 1 calendar in the coming seasons.