Carlos Sainz reacts to Madrid being handed long-term Spanish GP Formula 1 contract. Carlos Sainz reacts to news that Madrid GP will join Formula 1 calendar from 2026.

From Barcelona to Madrid
The official announcement of Madrid’s entry into Formula 1, hosting the Spanish Grand Prix from the 2026 season for at least ten years, inevitably divided fans, media and the audience of the sport. Some celebrate the addition of a new and captivating location to the calendar, while others lament the likely departure of the Circuit de Catakunya-Barcelona circuit, which has been part of the championship since 1991.

Carlos Sainz’s comments
The rivalry between Madrid and Barcelona, already experienced for decades in politics and football, now extends to the world of motorsports. Those who had already taken sides before this announcement – and today reaffirm their position – are the Sainz family. Both Carlos Sr., recently triumphant for the fourth time in his career at the Dakar, and his son Carlos Jr., representing Scuderia Ferrari in Formula 1, were born and raised in the Spanish capital.

Therefore, it is inevitable for them to express understandable joy for the arrival of the World Championship in their hometown. The current Ferrari #55 driver can now aim to achieve the historic feat of winning his home race in his city of origin in two years: “As a Spaniard and as a Madrilenian, today is a very special day to be proud of,” wrote Carlos Sainz on social media. “F1 is coming back to Madrid. See you in 2026.”

Como español y como madrileño, hoy es un día muy especial y para sentirse orgulloso.
La @F1 vuelve a Madrid!🇪🇸 Nos vemos en 2026!

As a Spaniard and as a Madrileño, I’m proud of such a special day.
Welcome back to Madrid @F1!🇪🇸 See you in 2026! https://t.co/QbabMINbMB

— Carlos Sainz (@Carlossainz55) January 23, 2024