2026 Spanish GP: FIA confirmed Madrid FP1 Start Time and Full Schedule…Read more

Formula 1 heads into unfamiliar territory this weekend as the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix gets underway in Madrid, with teams preparing to take on the new Madring circuit for the first time.

The 14th round of the 2026 F1 season will run from September 11 to 13, marking a major change for the Spanish Grand Prix after years of competition at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The new Madrid venue is expected to provide a completely different challenge for drivers and teams.

The first opportunity to experience the circuit in official Formula 1 action comes on Friday, September 11, when Free Practice 1 begins at 1:30pm local time.

For fans watching from the United Kingdom, FP1 starts at 12:30pm and will run for one hour. The session will be crucial as teams begin collecting data on the new circuit, including tyre performance, braking zones, car balance and the demands of its 22 corners.

Full Spanish GP F1 schedule

Friday, September 11

• FP1: 1:30pm–2:30pm Madrid / 12:30pm–1:30pm UK
• FP2: 5:00pm–6:00pm Madrid / 4:00pm–5:00pm UK

Saturday, September 12

• FP3: 12:30pm–1:30pm Madrid / 11:30am–12:30pm UK
• Qualifying: 4:00pm–5:00pm Madrid / 3:00pm–4:00pm UK

Sunday, September 13

• Spanish Grand Prix: 3:00pm–5:00pm Madrid / 2:00pm–4:00pm UK

The Madring presents one of the biggest talking points of the weekend. The approximately 5.4-kilometre circuit features 22 corners and includes the heavily anticipated banked Turn 12, known as La Monumental.

With drivers having limited real-world experience of the new layout, FP1 could prove more important than a conventional opening practice session. Teams will need to quickly establish the correct setup while understanding how the new circuit affects tyre degradation and race strategy.

Attention will also be focused on the championship battle. Kimi Antonelli arrives in Madrid leading the title fight, while Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will be looking to respond after Ferrari’s difficult Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

The unfamiliar circuit could therefore shake up the competitive order. Teams that quickly understand the Madring’s characteristics may gain a significant advantage before qualifying.

For F1 fans, the wait is almost over. FP1 begins at 12:30pm UK time on Friday, officially opening a new chapter for the Spanish Grand Prix.