F1 begins Friday practice for the Spanish Grand Prix at Madrid’s Madring circuit on September 11. This marks Madrid’s return to the F1 calendar after 45 years, since Jarama in 1981. Barcelona continues to host a race under a different event name, with its 2026 round having taken place in June.
Friday and the full weekend schedule
FP1 is scheduled for September 11 at 13:30 Madrid time, with FP2 at 17:00, corresponding to 19:30 and 23:00 that evening in China Standard Time (UTC+8). Madrid observes Central European Summer Time (CEST), with China Standard Time 6 hours ahead.
On Saturday, September 12, FP3 is at 12:30 local time and qualifying at 16:00, corresponding to 18:30 and 22:00 China Standard Time (UTC+8). On Sunday, September 13, the race starts at 15:00 local time, or 21:00 China Standard Time (UTC+8).
Pre-event forecast points to hot sunshine, with grip at the new track still to be understood
According to Motorsport.com’s pre-event forecast, Madrid is expected to be sunny on Friday with a temperature of around 31 degrees Celsius. Saturday is forecast to remain hot and sunny, with Sunday potentially hotter still. In the heat, teams will need to monitor tyre performance, cooling and brake management.
The Madring combines public roads with purpose-built high-speed sections, with limited run-off in some areas. The heavily banked La Monumental corner is one of its main features. During the first race weekend, practice will also help teams understand how surface grip evolves and allow drivers to learn the margins available near the barriers.
Championship position and temporary driver substitutions
After winning at Monza, Antonelli leads Mercedes teammate Russell by 66 points. Hamilton and Leclerc arrive in Madrid with Ferrari following their first-lap collision at the Italian Grand Prix.
Hadjar is absent through injury this weekend. Lawson temporarily races for Red Bull, with Yuki Tsunoda taking his Racing Bulls seat.
