Madring construction intensifies ahead of Madrid’s Spanish Grand Prix debut

A race against time in Madrid

In just 174 days, the lights are scheduled to go out for the Spanish Grand Prix at the newly built Madring circuit in Madrid. Set within and around the IFEMA exhibition centre in the west of the Spanish capital, the 5.4-kilometre venue is still firmly under construction — and increasingly at the centre of local debate over whether it will be ready in time.

Half of the circuit winds around the IFEMA complex, with the remainder stretching across the M-11 motorway. Although tarmac is beginning to appear beyond the motorway, large sections around IFEMA still resemble a traditional construction site. As it stands, the full layout has yet to be laid.

Key developments taking shape

Despite the unfinished appearance, significant milestones are emerging.

Development of the paddock building is ongoing, and a concrete start/finish straight is beginning to take form. The paddock itself will be particularly distinctive, with team garages positioned on either side of IFEMA’s main entrance — an architectural feature that sets it apart from more conventional Formula 1 facilities.

RacingNews365 was able to walk along what will eventually become the circuit from Turn 18 through to Turn 6, with the remaining sections inaccessible.

One of the circuit’s most notable design elements is a tunnel beneath the M-11 motorway, connecting the two halves of the track. Another striking area is the opening complex — the first two corners — which, at this stage, look anything but a flowing opening chicane.

Progress is visible between Turns 12 and 17, where sections of tarmac have already been laid. According to the most recent update issued on February 9, construction is advancing in line with the planned schedule.

"Construction of the Madring urban circuit continues to progress in line with the planned schedule."

Asphalting has begun on the stretch from the exit of Turn 12 — known as La Monumental — to Turn 17, just before the tunnel entrance linking IFEMA Madrid with Valdebebas. This sector is described as one of the fastest parts of the circuit, combining high-speed corners with notable elevation changes.

The remaining sections will be surfaced progressively over the coming weeks, with the circuit’s banked corner deliberately left until last due to its complexity and the specialised treatment it requires.

Divided local opinion

Construction officially began in April last year, and locals understand that the track must be completed two weeks before the Formula 1 event in order to secure homologation.

Opinion in Madrid is sharply split.

When asked whether the circuit would be ready in time, one local responded with laughter before saying, "Not a chance it will be ready." Others were more optimistic, pointing out that road surfacing is typically carried out during the summer months. Some suggested that if the project falls behind schedule, the city has the financial capacity to deploy additional personnel to ensure completion.

A challenging venue — if it meets the deadline

When finished, the Madring is set to deliver a distinctive challenge, headlined by its remarkable banked corner and varied layout split by the motorway. Yet what is immediately clear from the current state of the site is just how much work remains.