Madrid Begins Construction of Its Formula 1 Circuit with Carlos Sainz as Grand Prix Ambassador

Download photos and videos of the presentation here.

MADRING is now a reality. Following the approval of the construction license, the foundation stone was laid today, marking the start of a new chapter for the Spanish capital, which will become the only European capital city to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix. A project led by IFEMA MADRID for which the Community and the City Council of the capital have always been committed, as the Madrid Chamber of Commerce, who were present at the event.

The President of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, celebrated what she called "the realization of a dream that puts not only Madrid but all of Spain on the international sports map. She added, “It is a source of pride to host this motorsport event, which will create jobs and attract thousands of visitors who will enjoy not only the race, but also our city’s culture, gastronomy, and lifestyle”. Ayuso also highlighted one of MADRING’s main assets: “its unbeatable location, just minutes from both the airport and the city center”.

Madrid’s City Council, another key supporter of the project, also expressed its excitement at the start of the works. “We’re bringing Formula 1 back to Madrid, and we’re doing it while preserving the spirit of the city and its people. As Rafa Nadal said at the Laureus Awards, Madrid is the European capital of sport—and he’s right.”

For his part, José Vicente de los Mozos pointed out that “IFEMA MADRID's ambition is to turn the capital into a benchmark on the international calendar, offering a new paradigm capable of combining sport and spectacle in a memorable event, all in this circuit, MADRING, which will begin to be built in the coming days”.

MADRING is presented as a unique and different experience. 5.4 kilometers, 22-turns circuit with unique features to offer an unforgettable experience for drivers, teams and fans from all over the world.

Carlos Sainz, the Voice of a City that Breathes Motorsport

Madrid-born F1 driver Carlos Sainz, appointed as the official ambassador of the Madrid Grand Prix, was one of the stars of the ceremony. In addition to taking part in the symbolic laying of the first stone —which fittingly involved an electric excavator race— Sainz expressed his pride in representing his hometown: “Madrid is the best city in the world and the place I miss the most when I’m away. It was an easy decision to become MADRING’s ambassador because I truly believe we can build the best circuit in the world. I have complete faith in Madrid—it’s unbeatable. And we’re going for it.”

Sainz described the track as one with “charisma and personality”, highlighting La Monumental curve as the potential icon of the circuit.

The 5.4-kilometer layout, featuring 22 corners and 57 laps, was unveiled today in both scale model and video form. It promises a mix of excitement, technical challenges, and a strong commitment to sustainability—one of the core pillars of the project, led by the joint venture UTE Circuito Madrid, made up of ACCIONA (60%) and Eiffage Construcción (40%).

Madrid Steps on the Gas Towards 2026

The event was also attended by José Vicente de los Mozos, President of the Executive Committee of IFEMA MADRID; Manuel Aviñó, President of the Royal Spanish Automobile Federation; Ángel Asensio, President of the Madrid Chamber of Commerce; and Fernando Molinero, General Manager of the Spanish Sports Council (CSD), among other officials and industry representatives.

Madrid has its sights set firmly on 2026. But starting today, the Spanish capital is one step closer to bringing Formula 1 back and writing a bold new chapter in its sporting legacy.