Madring: Madrid F1 circuit unveiled, grandstand for Carlos Sainz

After the Barcelona Grand Prix comes the Spanish Grand Prix: shortly after the thrilling World Championship race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, the new Madring Grand Prix circuit was officially unveiled in Madrid.

With just under three months to go before the Grand Prix debut (13 September), the circuit operators announced the current progress of the construction work and presented some of the elements that will shape the event’s identity – such as the official race poster, the Carlos Sainz’s Team Fifty5 grandstand and the largest Spanish flag.

The day began at the circuit itself with an official tour of turns 1, 2 and 3, followed by the raising of a flag that is set to become one of Madring’s enduring symbols. Situated between Turn 3 and the pit lane exit on the western side of the circuit, the flag flies from a 54-metre-high flagpole and measures 16.6 by 25 metres. Its dimensions exceed those of the iconic flag at Madrid’s Plaza de Colón – previously the largest in Spain – whose flagpole is 50 metres high and whose flag measures 14 by 21 metres.

Über der Bahn wird die grösste Flagge von Spanien wehen

Foto: Madring

After the flag-raising ceremony, the guests toured the circuit on buses operated by the EMT, Madrid’s municipal transport authority, stopping at La Monumental, the circuit’s most distinctive corner. The EMT will play a central role in transporting fans and, together with the underground and the Cercanías network, will help to provide thousands of fans with access to a race circuit that is fully integrated into the city.

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Die überhöhte Kurve auf dem Radring

Foto: Madring

The presentation continued in a banquet hall at the IFEMA exhibition centre. On stage, an audiovisual presentation traced the project’s development from its announcement to the start of construction and showcased the work carried out over recent months to turn this ambitious vision into reality.

José Vicente de los Mozos (CEO of IFEMA) took to the stage with the Grand Prix trophy designed by Pininfarina to present it to those present.

Um diesen Pokal wird am 13. September gefahren

Foto: Madring

In his speech, De los Mozos highlighted the scale of the challenge that IFEMA and all the organisations involved had taken on in implementing a project that combines the construction of a hybrid circuit with the day-to-day operation of one of Europe’s leading exhibition halls. “The Spanish Grand Prix is an expression of IFEMA’s social and economic responsibility. And it reflects the extraordinary moment Madrid is experiencing: its economic strength, its international standing and its growing influence.”

One of the most eagerly awaited moments of the day was the unveiling of the official poster for the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix, bearing the slogan ‘De Madring al cielo’ (roughly: from Madring to heaven). The poster brings together some of Madrid’s most famous landmarks with La Monumental, the bend that makes the Madring so special.

The poster also features hand-drawn illustrations by team members who work on the project every day, thereby emphasising the human and emotional connection between the Madring and Madrid.

Williams driver Carlos Sainz was another star of the day. After the Madrid native had completed his first official lap of the circuit and shared his impressions of the track, the four-time Grand Prix winner presented the Team Fifty5 grandstand – an area that will bear his personal touch and for which tickets will go on sale in the coming days.

Carlos Sainz bei der Pistenbesichtigung

Foto: Madring

During his remarks, Sainz particularly highlighted the character of the circuit layout and the potential of Turn 12. The Madrid ambassador also explained that the phrase ‘De Madrid al cielo’ takes on special significance when exiting this corner, where the elevation, the climb and the blind nature of the section of track make the sky itself part of the driving experience.

In his speech, the Mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, emphasised the role of the Grand Prix as a strategic project for the city and highlighted the opportunity it presents to strengthen Madrid’s international profile, its organisational capabilities and its position as a host city for major sporting and cultural events.

“This project makes Madrid the only European capital to have a Grand Prix on the calendar. This Grand Prix will be a great success.”

For her part, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, President of the Autonomous Community of Madrid, concluded the official proceedings by highlighting the impact that the arrival of Formula 1 will have on the region – both from an economic and tourism policy perspective, as well as in terms of image, investment and the creation of opportunities. Ayuso emphasised the momentum Madrid is currently experiencing and its ability to attract leading global projects.

“It was a major challenge, but the circuit is now complete and ready on schedule. We will deliver the best circuit in the world, with over 90 per cent of tickets already sold – thanks to the contribution of institutions and businesses, as well as Madrid’s proven ability to host major international events.”

Following the presentation, media representatives and guests were able to tour the circuit and travel along part of the track on EMT buses.

The rest of the Grand Prix infrastructure is now beginning to take shape all around the circuit. Grandstands, catering facilities, operational infrastructure and all the elements that will transform this site into an F1 circuit will take shape in the coming weeks – in the final phase of a project heading towards 13 September, with the aim of offering fans, teams, drivers and the media alike.