MADRING presents its circuit to the world
16 June 2026 marked one of the major milestones in the countdown to the 2026 FORMULA 1 TAG HEUER SPANISH GRAND PRIX. MADRING opened the gates of its circuit to showcase the progress of the construction work on site and to share some of the elements that will define the Grand Prix’s identity: from Spain’s largest flag, which is already flying near turns 1, 2 and 3, to the official poster and the future Team Fifty5 grandstand named after Carlos Sainz. It was a historic day during which attendees were also able to take their first tour of the circuit, allowing them to see for themselves that the project is already beginning to take shape.
A tour of the circuit and a new symbol for MADRING
Situated between Turn 3 and the Pit Lane entrance, in the western part of the venue, the flag flies from a 54-metre-high flagpole and measures 16.66 by 25 metres. Its dimensions exceed those of the iconic flag in Plaza de Colón and also make it one of the largest to feature at any Grand Prix on the Formula 1 calendar.
Taking part in this inaugural raising were Isabel Díaz Ayuso, President of the Community of Madrid; José Luis Martínez-Almeida, Mayor of Madrid; José Vicente de los Mozos, Chairman of the Executive Committee of IFEMA MADRID; Daniel Martínez, Vice-President of IFEMA MADRID; Louise Young, Chief Race Promotion Officer at Formula 1; Manuel Aviñó, President of the Royal Spanish Automobile Federation; Ángel Asensio, President of the Madrid Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services of Madrid; Santiago Roura Gómez, Under-Secretary for Education, Vocational Training and Sport at the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sport; Luis García Abad, director of the 2026 FORMULA 1 TAG HEUER SPANISH GRAND PRIX; and Carlos Sainz, Formula 1 driver and MADRING ambassador.
Following the flag-raising ceremony, the authorities toured the circuit aboard EMT buses, stopping at La Monumental, the circuit’s most iconic bend. The tour also served to highlight one of MADRING’s greatest assets: its connectivity and integration with the city.
An event to showcase the project’s current status
During his speech, José Vicente de los Mozos also unveiled the Grand Prix trophy designed by Pininfarina and emphasised the scale of a project that combines the construction of a hybrid circuit with the day-to-day operations of one of Europe’s largest exhibition centres. For her part, Louise Young highlighted the strategic importance of Madrid’s inclusion in the Formula 1 World Championship calendar.
During his speech, José Vicente de los Mozos also unveiled the Grand Prix trophy designed by Pininfarina and highlighted the scale of a project that combines the construction of a hybrid circuit with the day-to-day operations of one of Europe’s largest exhibition centres. For her part, Louise Young emphasised the strategic importance of Madrid’s inclusion in the Formula 1 World Championship calendar.
The official poster and the Team Fifty5 grandstand: two of the day’s biggest announcements
One of the most eagerly awaited moments was the unveiling of the official poster for the 2026 FORMULA 1 TAG HEUER SPANISH GRAND PRIX. Inspired by the slogan “From MADRING to the sky”, the poster brings together some of Madrid’s most recognisable symbols alongside La Monumental, set to become one of the championship’s new icons. The design also features hand-drawn illustrations by members of the project team, reinforcing MADRING’s connection with the city.
Another of the event’s key figures was Carlos Sainz. After completing the first official lap of the circuit and sharing his impressions of the track, the Madrid-born driver unveiled the Team Fifty5 grandstand, a space bearing his personal stamp, with tickets due to go on sale shortly. During his speech, he particularly highlighted the character of the circuit and the potential of Turn 12, one of the circuit’s most distinctive sections.
A day with a Madrid flavour
The presentation also included a Pit Stop Challenge on stage – one of the event’s most light-hearted moments – in which several attendees took part in a tyre change in true Formula 1 style.
The closing ceremony had a distinct Madrid flavour, with a modern take on the chotis performed by the musicians from WAH and carnations handed out to the audience, in a nod to the city’s identity and the spirit with which MADRING wishes to welcome Formula 1.
Following the presentation, members of the press and guests were able to visit the circuit and tour part of the track aboard EMT buses. The day left a clear impression: the circuit can now be seen, explored and understood on the ground. The countdown to September thus enters a new phase.
