Our team has recently been in Madrid completing the first phase of our works on the city’s new Formula 1 circuit, known as the Madring. Set to join the Formula 1 calendar from 2026, the circuit will combine public roads with purpose-built sections to create a unique hybrid street circuit around the IFEMA exhibition complex in northeast Madrid.
As construction progresses, Roadgrip Motorsport has been working alongside the main contractor, who is currently resurfacing the roads that will form part of the race track to meet FIA requirements.
One of the most interesting aspects of the Madring project is that much of the circuit is being created from existing road infrastructure.
While street circuits often appear temporary, the reality is that significant engineering is required to transform public roads into surfaces capable of hosting Formula 1 machinery. Road geometry, surface smoothness, drainage characteristics and grip levels must all be assessed and upgraded to meet FIA standards.
As sections of the new surface are completed, our Motorsport team are installing highway markings using FIA-approved anti-slip paint systems. Unlike conventional road markings, motorsport markings must provide excellent visibility while maintaining predictable grip levels under extreme braking, acceleration and cornering loads.
This is particularly important on a Formula 1 circuit, where even small changes in surface characteristics can affect driver confidence and vehicle performance.
The first phase of works also focused on helping the circuit establish its visual identity.
Roadgrip installed a number of different kerb configurations and a sample run-off area featuring various colour options and layouts. These trial sections allow the client, Formula 1 stakeholders and the circuit’s branding team to assess how different designs perform both on the ground and through television cameras, aerial photography and digital media.
This stage is often overlooked when people think about circuit construction, but it is a critical part of creating a venue that becomes instantly recognisable.
The most memorable circuits in motorsport all have visual features that become synonymous with the venue itself. Whether it’s the Stars and Stripes at Circuit of the Americas, the turquoise run-off areas at Miami, the Sadu-inspired patterns at Lusail or the distinctive blue graphics of Yas Marina, successful circuit branding creates an identity that fans recognise immediately.
Madrid now has the opportunity to develop its own signature look.
When complete, the Madring is expected to be one of the longest circuits on the Formula 1 calendar, with a layout combining fast sections, technical corners and significant elevation changes. One of the headline features will be a high-speed banked corner, designed to create a unique challenge not currently seen at many modern Formula 1 venues.
For Roadgrip Motorsport, this first phase marks the beginning of an exciting journey on one of the most anticipated additions to the Formula 1 calendar. Follow us on LinkedIn to keep in the loop with progress, or take a look at our recent projects.
