Carlos Sainz inaugurates MADRING

Key features of the MADRING circuit layout

The Madrid-born driver and MADRING ambassador tackled the 5.4-kilometre, 22-corner layout for the first time on fully laid asphalt, unveiling a hybrid, technical and fast circuit designed to thrill both drivers and fans alike.

At the wheel of a sports car, Sainz sampled the character of a track featuring long straights, heavy braking zones, flowing sequences of corners and high-speed sectors. From the opening corner—one of the circuit’s prime overtaking opportunities—the Spaniard made his enthusiasm clear: “I really like this first part.” He also underlined the technical demands of certain sections, particularly the climb towards Las Cárcavas and the fast, flowing sequences in the second sector.

One of the most striking moments came at La Monumental, the 24% banked corner already shaping up to become one of the standout icons on the Formula 1 calendar. “This is what has impressed me the most,” Sainz admitted, taken aback by a corner that is not only steeply banked but also blind. “All you can see is the sky,” he explained ahead of the braking zone—an image that perfectly captures the spirit of MADRING and its now emblematic concept, “from La Monumental to the sky”.

Throughout the lap, the Madrid native was surprised by the outright pace of the layout. “It’s faster than it looks,” he said, as he assessed various overtaking spots and drew comparisons between certain sections and historic circuits such as Spa-Francorchamps and Silverstone.

This maiden lap also marks a key milestone in the development of the project. MADRING continues to progress in line with the planned schedule, with the circuit set to be handed over to the FIA on 31 May, cementing the arrival of a Grand Prix that aims to become an international benchmark on the Formula 1 calendar.