Madrid E-Prix: XXL preview of the 2026 Formula E European season opener

Finally, things are back on track: after a break of more than a month, Formula E returns and starts its first European race of the season in Madrid. The Circuito del Jarama is a new track making its debut on the racing calendar. Especially exciting: In Madrid, the so-called pit boost will be used for the first time outside of a double-header. The first rookie test of the twelfth season is also on the programme on Sunday.

Where exactly will the Formula E race take place?

Madrid is the capital of Spain and is located in the geographical centre of the country. Situated at an altitude of around 600 metres, it is considered one of the sunniest capitals in Europe with more than 300 days of sunshine a year. Madrid also enjoys worldwide sporting significance - not least thanks to the Real Madrid football club, one of the most successful clubs in the world.

Fast Stats: Madrid E-Prix

• The Circuito del Jarama is the 40th racetrack to host a Formula E race. At 3.934 kilometres in length, the circuit is by far the longest race track in the history of the racing series. It surpasses the previous record holder, Homestead-Miami Speedway, by a whole 383 metres.
• Formula E returns to Spain for a race after 1791 days: the last time a race was held in the country was on 25 April 2021 in Valencia.
• The first Formula E race in Spain went down as one of the most chaotic in Formula E history: After a total of five safety car phases, the energy available to the drivers was reduced so much that in the end only nine drivers managed to cross the finish line without exceeding the energy limit. It was the first and only time that fewer than ten cars were classified.
• Jake Dennis in particular has positive memories of Spain: he achieved his first pole position in Valencia, which was also his first points in Formula E. A few hours later, he even celebrated his first race win there.

TV & Livestream: Where is the Madrid E-Prix on?

The Madid E-Prix is a single race and will take place on Saturday, 21 March 2026. However, the race weekend starts on Friday 20 March at 6:30 pm (CET) with the 1st free practice session. It continues on Saturday at 8:30 am with the 2nd free practice session before qualifying at 10:40 am. The race will start at 3:05 pm.

The electric motors will not stand still in Madrid on Sunday either, as the first rookie test of the season is coming up. At 9:00 am and 2:00 pm, the 20 rookies will get behind the wheel for three hours each.

As always, you can also follow all the sessions of the race weekend in our popular Formula E live ticker.

All data in Central European Time (CET)

What makes the circuit in Madrid so special?

The Circuito del Jarama is located around 30 kilometres north-east of Madrid and was opened back in 1967. In the past, the circuit has hosted numerous high-calibre motorsport events, including the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix in 1981.

The Formula E circuit is just under four kilometres long and has 14 corners. It is characterised by the few straights - only two longer full-throttle sections are available to the drivers. This promises a technically demanding and tactical race, especially in Formula E.

The circuit is not completely new territory for the series: Formula E already completed its pre-season tests here in 2024 after severe flooding hit the Valencia region and testing at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo had to be cancelled.

In which order do the drivers start qualifying?

In Formula E, qualifying takes place in two stages: Group phase and duel phase. For the group qualifying, the driver field is initially divided into two halves, with all drivers in the odd-numbered championship positions (1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, etc.) competing in Group A and the drivers in the even-numbered positions in Group B.

The four drivers with the fastest lap times in their group after ten minutes will then progress to the quarter-finals, where they will duel for the best grid positions. This results in the following groups for the race in Madrid.

Weather forecast: not a Spanish cliché

A look at the weather forecast shows: Spring-like, but not summery. Friday is expected to be around 16 degrees, Saturday around 18 degrees.

The sun is only likely to make an occasional appearance, which could also affect the conditions on the track. The first free practice session will provide important insights for teams and drivers. Spectators on site should be prepared for changeable weather - a jacket in your luggage is definitely not a bad idea.

Who are the favourites?

Pascal Wehrlein is travelling to Madrid as the world championship leader. After five races, the Porsche driver leads the standings with 68 points, making him one of the top favourites. Edoardo Mortara, currently second in the overall standings, also has the best chance of a strong result.

Nick Cassidy, on the other hand, has dropped back to fourth place after recent weaker results in Miami and Jeddah and is 20 points off the lead. Nevertheless, at this early stage of the season, everything is still wide open in the title fight.

Which team will put together the best overall package in Madrid remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the sixth round of the Formula E World Championship once again promises thrilling duels, clever strategies and plenty of action.

Do you believe in a different winner? Then take part in the free community betting game on Kicktipp and prove your Formula E instincts!