Carlos Sainz to Drive in Free Madrid F1 Event

Carlos Sainz is set to thrill Formula 1 fans in a free event on June 7 at the new Madring circuit in Madrid, which will become host of the Spanish Grand Prix in 2026.

IFEMA Madrid is set to become host of the Spanish Grand Prix from 2026, with the all-new Madring circuit set to host Spain’s round of the calendar from next year onwards. To celebrate, Carlos Sainz will take his Williams FW45 on a high-speed demo run on the Madring Roadshow at the future F1 circuit in June.

Taking place on Saturday June 7, one week after the Spanish Grand Prix is held at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for the final time, Sainz – an ambassador for the event – will be joined by two rising Spanish stars at the free motorsport showcase: Formula 2 racer Pepe Martí and Formula 3 driver Mari Boya.

Starting at 7pm, the event will see the three drivers head along a nearly one-kilometre route, running down Ribera del Sena Street and part of Avenida del Partenón, before ending at the South entrance of the convention and exhibition centre.

Event organisers have promised a fan zone, food trucks, merchandise stalls and “other surprises” at the event, which is free to attend. Due to the nature of the event and the closure of nearby car parks, organisers are encouraging those attending to use public transport to get to the track.

Talking about the Madring Roadshow, Madrid-born Carlos Sainz says it is an “incredible opportunity” to drive his Williams machinery at the new circuit:

“Madrid is obviously my hometown. I grew up here and started racing go karts in this city. To have the chance to drive an F1 car in my own backyard is a dream come true for me and an incredible opportunity for Madrid to show everyone our potential and willingness to become the best circuit and the finest event on the entire F1 calendar! This roadshow is just the first step in bringing Formula 1 closer to everyone and showcasing the unique character MADRING’s layout will offer.”

The Madring will join the calendar in 2026, with the Spanish Grand Prix reportedly set to move to a September date. The new circuit takes over from Catalunya, which has been the sole host of the event since 1991.

The 5.4 track is currently under construction and will feature 22 turns – one of which, the “Monumental” corner – is a 550m turn which features 24% banking. It will be the first circuit set in a major European capital city. The Madring joins the Formula 1 calendar as host of the Spanish Grand Prix until at least 2035 – the fourth longest contract of any circuit, behind only Bahrain, Australia and Miami.