Source: REUTERS/HAMAD I MOHAMMED
[Saba Sports News] According to reports by Spain’s Marca, the 2026 F1 season will include a new event—the Madrid Grand Prix—which will replace Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya and become the new home for the Spanish Grand Prix. The inaugural Madrid Grand Prix is scheduled for September 6, 2026. However, this decision has not garnered full approval from fans and insiders, particularly regarding the design of the new track, which has sparked widespread controversy. It is reported that the Madrid Grand Prix will be held on streets around the IFEMA exhibition center in Madrid, with a track length of approximately 5.47 kilometers and 20 corners. While this design aims to offer spectators a closer viewing experience, former F1 test driver Daniel Hongkadela sharply criticized the track layout. He posted a virtual track video on social media, stating bluntly that he did not want to comment on the track to avoid penalties, but the track is indeed very poor. Hongkadela further explained that the track design lacks overtaking opportunities and poses safety hazards. He compared the new Madrid Grand Prix track with tracks in Miami, Las Vegas, and Sochi, calling them “dangerous layouts.”