Ferrari became the first Formula 1 team to run on the new Madring circuit, helping organizers validate key systems ahead of the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix.

The Madring circuit reached one of its most important milestones before the 2026 Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix after Ferrari completed the first-ever F1 test on the new layout. While the Italian team used the session as a filming day, the event also gave organizers a valuable opportunity to evaluate the circuit under real Formula 1 conditions.

With the debut of the Madrid street circuit drawing closer, the successful test reinforced confidence that the venue will be fully prepared for its first Formula 1 race.

Ferrari became the first Formula 1 team to complete laps on the new Madring circuit.

Ferrari helps validate the new Madring circuit

Using the maximum distance allowed for a filming day, Ferrari completed nearly 200 kilometers with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton behind the wheel. Although these sessions are limited by Formula 1 regulations, they provided critical information for both Ferrari and the circuit’s organizers.

During the 18 laps, officials evaluated the new asphalt, kerbs, run-off areas, communications systems, race control procedures and trackside operations. Marshals and safety personnel also carried out key operational checks that will be essential during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend.

A major step toward the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix

Beyond Ferrari’s own preparations, the filming day represented a significant milestone for the Madrid circuit. Organizers were able to simulate several aspects of a Formula 1 event months before the championship arrives, allowing engineers and officials to identify any final adjustments required.

The successful session also helped silence doubts about whether the circuit would be completed in time for its Formula 1 debut, demonstrating that construction and operational planning remain on schedule.

The test allowed organizers to evaluate track operations ahead of Formula 1’s arrival.

More work remains before Formula 1 arrives

Although the circuit itself passed an important test, work continues on grandstands, fan facilities and surrounding infrastructure. Those areas will be completed before Formula 1 returns to Spain later this season.

For Ferrari, the outing also offered valuable experience on a completely new circuit. Even within the restrictions of a filming day, every lap provided useful data while giving Formula 1 its first real look at Madrid’s newest venue.

Madring remains on schedule to host its first Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix in 2026.

The successful Ferrari Madring test represents far more than a promotional event. It confirms that the circuit is progressing according to plan while allowing organizers to validate essential operational systems ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix. With several months still remaining before race weekend, Madrid has taken another significant step toward joining the Formula 1 calendar.

Here’s the complete 2026 Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix schedule for U.S. fans, including practice sessions, qualifying, race time and how to watch every session from Spa-Francorchamps.

Formula 1 heads to the legendary Spa-Francorchamps Circuit for the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix, one of the most iconic races on the calendar. The event takes place July 17-19 and marks the final traditional race weekend before Formula 1’s summer break.

Here’s everything U.S. fans need to know, including the complete 2026 Belgian Grand Prix schedule, television information and key facts about the historic Belgian circuit.

2026 Belgian Grand Prix schedule (United States)

All times below are shown in Eastern Time (ET).

Unlike previous editions, the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix follows the traditional Formula 1 weekend format, featuring three practice sessions, qualifying on Saturday and the race on Sunday.

How to watch the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix in the U.S.

Formula 1 fans in the United States have several viewing options throughout the weekend.

The complete race weekend will be available through:

• ESPN
• ESPN2
• ABC (selected sessions)
• ESPN+
• F1 TV Pro

F1 TV Pro also provides onboard cameras, live timing, team radio and additional race coverage for subscribers.

Spa-Francorchamps remains Formula 1’s ultimate driver’s circuit

Located in Belgium’s Ardennes Forest, Spa-Francorchamps is the longest circuit on the Formula 1 calendar.

Circuit facts:

• Length: 7.004 km (4.352 miles)
• Race distance: 44 laps
• Total distance: 308.176 km (191.5 miles)

The track features legendary corners including Eau Rouge, Raidillon, Pouhon and Blanchimont, while the Kemmel Straight allows cars to exceed 215 mph (350 km/h).

Eau Rouge and Raidillon remain among Formula 1’s most famous corners.

Belgian Grand Prix winners and records

Several Formula 1 legends have enjoyed success at Spa-Francorchamps.

Most Belgian Grand Prix victories:

• Michael Schumacher — 6
• Lewis Hamilton — 5
• Ayrton Senna — 5

Recent winners include:

• 2025: Oscar Piastri
• 2024: Lewis Hamilton
• 2023: Max Verstappen

Pole position record:

• Lewis Hamilton — 6 poles

Fastest qualifying lap:

Lando Norris (2025) — 1:40.562

Spa-Francorchamps has produced some of Formula 1’s greatest races.

The 2026 Belgian Grand Prix schedule features one of the most anticipated weekends of the Formula 1 season. With Spa-Francorchamps’ combination of high-speed straights, dramatic elevation changes and unpredictable weather, the Belgian Grand Prix consistently delivers some of the championship’s most exciting racing before Formula 1 heads into its summer break.

Charles Leclerc has overhauled his Ferrari steering wheel software for the first time since joining the team, introducing a redesigned interface to better manage the demands of Formula 1’s new 2026 regulations.

For the first time since joining Ferrari, Charles Leclerc has completely redesigned the software layout of his steering wheel. The Charles Leclerc steering wheel 2026 update marks one of the biggest personal changes of his Formula 1 career, helping him adapt to the new technical regulations while improving access to crucial race information.

The redesigned interface debuted during Ferrari’s strong 2026 campaign and reflects how drivers have been forced to rethink their cockpit management under Formula 1’s latest generation of power units.

Leclerc redesigns his Ferrari steering wheel for the first time

Since arriving at Ferrari in 2019, Leclerc had maintained virtually the same steering wheel display layout, making only minor adjustments over the years.

Unlike former teammate Sebastian Vettel, who preferred displaying a large amount of information simultaneously, Leclerc always favored a clean, minimalist interface with larger, easier-to-read data.

That philosophy remained unchanged throughout his partnership with Carlos Sainz, who adopted a similar layout with only small personal modifications.

For 2026, however, Ferrari’s star driver decided to completely rethink the software to better suit the demands of the new regulations.

Charles Leclerc introduced a completely redesigned steering wheel display for the 2026 Formula 1 season.

New displays improve energy management and race information

The biggest change involves the organization of the steering wheel display.

Information such as speed, engine RPM, brake balance and lap count has been moved into compact side windows, freeing the center of the screen for more important live data.

Among the new features are:

• Tire temperature display
• Brake temperature monitoring
• MGU-K energy deployment indicator
• Regeneration status display
• Updated boost management graphics

Ferrari has also introduced a vertical energy bar showing exactly when the MGU-K is deploying or recovering electrical energy, allowing Leclerc to react more efficiently throughout each lap.

A new boost indicator with multiple status blocks helps manage short bursts of additional electrical power during overtaking and defensive situations.

The updated Ferrari steering wheel software places greater emphasis on energy management and tire monitoring.

Ferrari also improves launch procedures for 2026

Another important addition to the Charles Leclerc steering wheel 2026 software is a dedicated turbo readiness indicator used during race starts.

With Formula 1’s new regulations eliminating the MGU-H and changing how electrical power is delivered below 50 km/h, turbo management has become far more important.

Ferrari now uses a progressive visual indicator that combines:

• Percentage-based turbo readiness
• Red, white and green status colors
• Full confirmation when the turbo reaches optimal operating speed

The system gives drivers immediate feedback before the start, helping maximize acceleration when the lights go out.

Ferrari’s new turbo readiness indicator helps optimize race starts under the 2026 Formula 1 regulations.

The Charles Leclerc steering wheel 2026 redesign illustrates how Formula 1 drivers continue adapting to an increasingly sophisticated technical environment. By reorganizing critical information and introducing new energy management tools, Ferrari has given Leclerc a cockpit better suited to the demands of the sport’s latest generation of hybrid technology, while maintaining the clean interface that has defined his driving style since arriving in Maranello.