Exclusive: New Madrid F1 circuit dividing opinion as construction investigated

In just 174 days, on September 13, the lights are set to go out at the Madring, the new home of the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid.

The 5.4-kilometre circuit, situated in the west of the Spanish capital at the IFEMA exhibition centre, is under construction and is dividing opinion among locals as to whether it will be ready in time.

While in Spain for Formula E's Madrid E-Prix, RacingNews365 visited IFEMA to investigate the current condition and construction of F1's newest circuit. Despite dusk turning to night, what was visible highlighted the scale of the job at hand, with diggers, cranes and other machinery scattered across all areas.

It is an immense task, with half of the circuit based around the exhibition centre, while the other half lies on the opposite side of the M-11 motorway. Tarmac is starting to be laid beyond the motorway, while the section of the track around IFEMA looks no different from a construction site.

Development of the paddock building is underway (see images 2, 3, 4 and 5), while a concrete start/finish straight is beginning to take shape (see images 1, 8 and 9). As things stand, the entire circuit has not yet been laid.

Interestingly, the paddock building will be very unique, with team garages on either side of the main entrance to IFEMA.

RacingNews365 was able to walk on what will become the circuit from Turn 18 all the way to Turn 6, with the remaining corners being inaccessible.

Madrid locals offer mixed opinions

A unique feature of the circuit is a tunnel under the M-11 motorway, allowing access between either side of the track (see image 6). One of the most striking areas was the first two corners (image 7), which looked anything but an opening chicane.

Some tarmac has been laid from Turns 12 to 17, with the Madring's most recent update on February 9 stating: "Construction of the Madring urban circuit continues to progress in line with the planned schedule.

"This week marks the commencement of asphalting on the section linking the exit of Turn 12 — known as La Monumental — to Turn 17, situated just before the entrance to the tunnel connecting IFEMA Madrid with Valdebebas. This stretch forms one of the circuit’s fastest sectors, combining high-speed corners with notable elevation changes.

"Asphalting of the remaining parts of the circuit will be carried out progressively over the coming weeks, with the banked corner reserved for last due to its complexity and the specialised treatment it requires."

Construction of Madring officially began in April last year, with locals understanding that the track must be ready two weeks ahead of hosting F1 for it to be homologated.

While in Madrid, RacingNews365 spoke to several locals, who shared widely divided opinions on whether the circuit will be completed in time. When one person was asked, the initial response was laughter, before adding, "Not a chance it will be ready."

Others were more positive, explaining that the surfacing of roads typically takes place in the summer months, and that, should the circuit fall behind schedule, the city has the money and would deploy as many personnel as needed to complete the project.

When completed, it looks set to be a challenging and unique venue, featuring a remarkable banked corner—but what is evident is just how much work remains.

RacingNews365 has reached out to Madring to comment.

See images of Madring's current condition below.