F1 drivers excited by MADRING challenge ahead of this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix

The Formula 1 drivers set to compete in the FORMULA 1 TAG HEUER GRAN PREMIO DE ESPAÑA 2026 have praised the new 5.4km MADRING for its technical layout, high-speed sections and challenging banking at the track’s showpiece ‘La Monumental’ corner.

Formula 1 returns to Madrid for the first time in 45 years this coming weekend, with the Spanish Grand Prix taking place at the new 22-turn, 5.4km MADRING, built around the IFEMA MADRID complex.

With the circuit ready for its Formula 1 debut, drivers have been speaking about the challenge that awaits them, and are looking forward to learning a new layout.

Speaking ahead of the first day of practice, Spanish drivers Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz were both eager to drive the new circuit in front of their home fans for a second time this season.

Two-time Formula 1 World Champion Alonso said the configuration of the MADRING will create a lot of “adrenaline” for the drivers.

“It’s a special track, and it will be a challenge for everyone to learn the track as fast as possible in free practice,” said Alonso. “It’s going to be a nice weekend, and a privilege to race twice in Spain this year, and for the first time in Madrid for many years.

“The track seems difficult, very technical with a lot of kerb riding, and a couple of high-speed sections where you need to be very close to the walls, which will provide a lot of adrenaline for a driver.”

A ‘special’ race for Madrid’s local hero

For Carlos Sainz, the weekend carries a greater significance. Born and raised in Madrid, the Williams driver will compete in front of his home crowd, and has many friends and family supporting him this weekend, with a number watching from his Team Fifty5 grandstand. As a MADRING Ambassador, he has also seen first-hand the circuit take shape in the months of construction leading up to its debut.

“It’s very special to have a race in my home city, where I grew up,” said Sainz. “This is where I took my first steps, as a 10-year-old karting driver, wanting one day to be a Formula 1 driver and now, almost 20 years later, here I am as a Formula 1 driver in this city, which is crazy to think, and something that I’m incredibly proud of.”

Sainz has already been preparing for his home debut, driving the simulator back at the Williams factory and watching onboard footage from the Formula 3 test that took place last month.

“The track has character, with a lot of different kinds of corner, so it will be a different track to what we are used to,” he added. “But realistically, it’s going to be tomorrow in FP1 when we know what this track is all about.”

He also believes the return of Formula 1 to Madrid will be a great chance for the city to shine as fans descend on the Spanish capital from around the world.

“I think anyone who gets to experience Madrid for the first time will see it’s such a great city,” said Sainz. “It’s a place that has been growing in the last few years and every chance we get to throw a big event, the city does a great job in running it.

“We’ll make sure that we deliver to make sure the Spanish Grand Prix is a classic for F1, to make sure you come back every year.”

Alpine’s Franco Colapinto also has a strong connection with the capital, having lived in Madrid during the early stages of his European racing career.

“I’m really excited to be back here in Madrid,” said the Argentinian driver. “Madrid does feel like the closest to home for me, especially because of my previous experience of how I started in Europe, I was here in Madrid. So to be racing here in Formula 1 is a dream come true — and I think it’s very good for the sport too.”

A race for the city and local community

Ahead of two one-hour practice sessions for Formula 1 tomorrow, and support series running for Formula 2 and Formula 3, the MADRING welcomed the F1 teams, drivers, media to the track and also hosted a community programme.

Earlier today, MADRING invited around 4,000 guests — local residents, students, charity beneficiaries, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patients from the nearby Hospital Enfermera Isabel Zendal and event volunteers — to a dedicated Community Pit Lane Walk. The experience offered an exclusive behind-the-scenes look into the world of Formula 1, ahead of tomorrow’s on-track action.

“Today marks a very important moment for MADRING and the city of Madrid. After years of planning, design and construction, we are now ready to welcome Formula 1 and showcase our new circuit to the world,” said José Vicente de los Mozos, Chairman of IFEMA MADRID’s Executive Committee.

“Bringing to life an event of this scale is a huge undertaking, and we are extremely proud of the work of everybody who has been involved in this project. We cannot wait to see Formula 1 cars on track tomorrow.”

Luis García Abad, General Manager MADRING, and the FORMULA 1 TAG HEUER GRAN PREMIO DE ESPAÑA 2026 said: “The wait is almost over and the 22 Formula 1 drivers are about to discover MADRING for themselves for the very first time. We wanted to create a circuit that was challenging for the drivers, exciting for the fans, and to give Madrid a unique identity on the Formula 1 calendar.

“The reaction from the teams and drivers so far is very encouraging, and we are proud to welcome them to the MADRING for the first time. Together with fans, we are aiming to make the first Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid for 45 years a weekend to remember.”