Spanish driver Carlos Sainz has made history by becoming the first Formula 1 driver to experience the new Madrid circuit that will host the Spanish Grand Prix from 2026, replacing the long-standing Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
An emotional homecoming for Carlos Sainz in Madrid
This past weekend marked a milestone for both Madrid and F1, as Sainz and Atlassian Williams Racing brought the excitement of F1 to the Spanish capital through the MADRING Roadshow, organised in partnership with IFEMA MADRID.
Sainz gave both himself and the massive crowd their first taste of what’s to come when F1 returns to Spain’s capital.
For the four-time Grand Prix winner, the experience was deeply personal and emotional. “It’s a dream come true for me to be back in Madrid, driving the FW45 around the streets I grew up in,” said the Spanish driver.
“I’ll never forget driving this car in front of a crowd of 80,000 people from all over the world.”
The Williams FW45 became the first F1 car to traverse the newly formed MADRING circuit, officially launching the countdown to the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix.
Additionally, Sainz admitted,“It’s been a super emotional day, but it’s just a taste of what will be coming in 2026. Next year will be huge for Madrid as it becomes part of F1 and I can’t wait!”
The demonstration run covered one kilometre of what will form part of the future Spanish GP circuit, giving spectators and organisers insight into how the track will perform when the full F1 circus arrives.
A return to Madrid’s racing heritage
The event was a significant moment in Spanish motorsport history, as F1 prepares to return to Madrid for the first time since 1981. Over 80,000 enthusiastic fans lined the streets to witness Sainz’s historic run and celebrate the announcement that their city will once again host a Formula 1 grand prix.
The massive turnout demonstrates the appetite for F1 in Spain’s capital and suggests that the 2026 Spanish GP will be a hugely popular addition to the F1 calendar. When the championship’s new venue officially joins, it is expected to provide both spectacular racing and meaningful moments, given Madrid’s rich history.
