« Madrid can have the best circuit in the world », says Carlos Sainz

The construction of the Madring circuit in Madrid has officially begun, paving the way for Formula 1 to return to the Spanish capital in 2026. During the groundbreaking ceremony in Valdebebas, Carlos Sainz, the Madrid-born Williams driver, was appointed as the circuit's ambassador, expressing complete confidence in the potential of this new track.

A Madrilenian proud to represent his city

Born and raised in Madrid, Carlos Sainz has not hidden his enthusiasm about representing his hometown in this ambitious project. Present at the inaugural ceremony alongside Isabel Díaz Ayuso, president of the Community of Madrid, the Spanish driver symbolically participated in laying the first stone during an electric excavator race.

Madrid is the best city in the world and the place I miss the most when I'm away. Becoming an ambassador for Madring was an easy decision because I truly believe we can build the best circuit in the world. I have complete confidence in Madrid — it's unbeatable. And we will achieve it, said Sainz.

The commitment of the Spanish driver is not limited to a mere ceremonial role. Indeed, he has also been actively involved in discussions about the circuit's design, even reassuring his fellow drivers about the quality of the track: "The drivers asked me questions about the circuit, the corners, the layout... I told them not to worry, that I would try to help as much as possible to ensure the circuit offers a great show," he explained.

A hybrid circuit, between street and traditional track

The Madring circuit will extend over 5.47 kilometers and will feature 22 turns. Its uniqueness lies in its hybrid nature, combining narrow urban sections around the IFEMA exhibition center with more open and fast sections, notably including an impressive banked turn in the Valdebebas area.

« What I ask of an F1 circuit as a driver is that it has charisma and character, with many corners that make it unique. There are circuits like Baku, which don't have significant corners apart from the castle section, but have character, with very long straights, lots of overtaking, whether it's spectacular », Sainz emphasized.

The track will be 12 meters wide, except for the main straight and the first turn which will reach 15 meters. The course will include significant elevations, peaking at 697 meters at turn 7, before descending towards the technical section called the Bunker.

Turn 3, named Hortaleza after the adjacent neighborhood, is a fast corner taken at full speed leading to the quickest part of the circuit at turn 4, where the cars will reach 340 km/h. The drivers will then have to perform a hard brake to tackle turn 5 at only 80 km/h, followed by a chicane. This sequence from turns 3 to 5 forms an effective straight line of 837 meters. Further on, a tunnel precedes turn 18, offering spectators spectacular views before the cars enter the slowest section of the circuit, eventually rejoining the main straight.

But the highlight of Madring will undoubtedly be La Monumental, a dizzying 24% banked corner, stretching over 550 meters at turn 12, which Sainz has already identified as the potential signature of the circuit. The final part, with the banked turns and fast sequences... that's more of what we like and what we find on traditional European circuits. And this circuit has both: a more open area and a more closed area with walls, added the Spanish driver.

Ambition to become a reference in the F1 calendar

Five minutes from Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suarez Airport, the Madring circuit is positioned as one of the most accessible events on the F1 calendar. Organizers estimate that 90% of spectators will be able to reach it by public transport.

The planned capacity is impressive: 110,000 daily spectators, with possible extensions up to 140,000, making it one of the largest circuits on the calendar. The expected economic impact is estimated at 450 million euros per year for the Madrid economy.

Carlos Sainz has big plans for this event and harbors great ambitions: "I think we can have the best circuit in the world and the best event on the entire calendar. There will be 24 races, and Mexico, Miami, and Las Vegas are doing very well, but I sincerely believe that Madrid can surpass them, and we will do everything to achieve that," he stated.

The Madring circuit will take over the organization of the Spanish Grand Prix in F1 starting from September 2026. The construction cost is estimated at 83.2 million euros, and it is expected to be completed by May 2026. This track will make Madrid the only European capital to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix.