Formula 1 is holding its very first Grand Prix on the Madring this Sunday. Here is the start time of the race in Madrid.
Read more Charles Leclerc reveals what may have cost him the pole in Madrid
After particularly close qualifying on Saturday, it’s time for the race on the brand new Madring. The 2026 Spanish Grand Prix takes place this Sunday, September 13, on the streets of Madrid, with 57 laps scheduled on the latest circuit to join the Formula 1 calendar.
The start will be given at 3:00 PM local time in Madrid, which is also 3:00 PM in France and Belgium.
What time does the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix start?
The start of the Spanish Grand Prix is therefore scheduled for 3:00 PM this Sunday, September 13, 2026. The drivers will discover for the first time the conditions of a full race on the Madring, after a weekend that has already highlighted the particularities of the new Spanish track.
The race will be contested over 57 laps. Track position could become very important since several drivers have already expressed concerns about the limited overtaking opportunities offered by the circuit’s 22 corners.
Max Verstappen was notably very critical after qualifying, stating that there are very few places to make a genuine attack. George Russell also regretted the absence of a clear braking zone at the end of the longest straight.
Norris and Antonelli on the front row
Lando Norris will start from pole position after a spectacular end to qualifying. The McLaren driver set a time of 1’31″824 on his final attempt to beat Kimi Antonelli by only 11 thousandths of a second.
Read more Toto Wolff explodes in response to criticism after Monza: «It’s completely nonsense»
The championship leader will therefore have to settle for second place on the grid despite briefly believing he had the pole. Max Verstappen will start third, just ahead of Lewis Hamilton, who himself held provisional pole after the first Q3 attempts before dropping to fourth.
This Norris-Antonelli front row promises a particularly interesting battle at the start. With overtaking likely to become difficult afterwards, the first braking zone will already be a decisive moment in the race.
Tire degradation could shake up the race
If overtaking proves as difficult as some drivers fear, strategy could become the main way to gain positions. The long stints during practice notably revealed significant tire degradation.
Verstappen also believes that this wear could be one of the few opportunities to create enough pace differences between cars to encourage overtaking. Pit stops and the timing of tire changes could therefore play a crucial role.
See you at 3:00 PM in France, Belgium, and Spain for the start of the 57 laps of the very first Formula 1 Grand Prix held on the Madring.
Read more Kimi Antonelli frustrated after losing pole by 11 thousandths: «Norris snatched it from me»