Watch Carlos Sainz test Formula 1’s new Madrid circuit ahead of the 2026 debut. Carlos Sainz gives fans a first look at Spain's new look F1 track in Madrid.

Carlos Sainz takes first laps at Madrid’s new Formula 1 circuit ahead of 2026 Spanish Grand Prix

Formula 1’s newest venue is beginning to take shape, and Spanish fans have now had their first real glimpse of what the future holds. As construction work on Madrid’s new Formula 1 circuit moves closer to completion, former Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz has become one of the first high-profile names to sample the layout that will host the Spanish Grand Prix from 2026.

The new venue, widely referred to as the Madring, represents a major shift for Formula 1 in Spain. After years of association with the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, the championship is preparing to open a fresh chapter in Madrid with a circuit designed to combine street-track character with permanent racing infrastructure.

For Carlos Sainz, the occasion carried obvious symbolic significance. Racing in front of home fans has always held special meaning for the Spanish driver, and getting an early taste of the capital’s brand-new Formula 1 destination only adds to the anticipation surrounding the event’s official debut next season.

A first look at Formula 1’s newest Spanish challenge

Video footage of the former Ferrari driver’s first laps around the emerging circuit offers an early indication of what drivers could face when Formula 1 arrives in Madrid. While the final track environment will naturally look very different once grandstands, barriers, hospitality areas and full race infrastructure are in place, the layout already hints at a circuit designed to deliver a unique challenge.

Unlike more traditional permanent venues, the Madring aims to blend fast-flowing sections with tighter technical areas, potentially creating a circuit where setup compromise will play a major role. Teams may need to balance low-speed traction with aerodynamic efficiency, depending on how the final surface and kerb characteristics evolve before the inaugural race weekend.

That uncertainty is part of what makes new Formula 1 venues so fascinating. Simulators can provide early guidance, but until the cars actually hit the track in competitive conditions, many performance questions remain unanswered.

A new era for the Spanish Grand Prix

The arrival of Madrid as the new home of the Spanish Grand Prix marks one of the most significant calendar changes in recent Formula 1 history. Spain has long been an important market for the championship, particularly during the eras of Fernando Alonso and now Carlos Sainz, and the decision reflects Formula 1’s continued push toward commercially high-profile city-based events.

For fans, the biggest question will be whether the Madring can deliver stronger racing than some traditional circuits that have struggled at times to produce consistently exciting modern Formula 1 battles.

Fresh tracks often bring unpredictability, evolving grip conditions, and setup headaches for teams—ingredients that can make for compelling race weekends, especially during a circuit’s first appearance on the calendar.

With Carlos Sainz now providing the first unofficial preview, anticipation for Formula 1’s new Spanish home has only grown.

One thing is already clear: Madrid’s countdown to Formula 1 has truly begun.