Sainz set to complete a demo run on part of the future MADRING

Williams have now revealed that its Spanish driver Carlos Sainz will complete a demo run on his home streets of Madrid at the future venue of the Spanish Grand Prix.

Formula 1 confirmed last June that the Spanish Grand Prix will be held at a new track in Madrid from 2026 with a 10-year deal which means that Barcelona might lose its spot on the F1 calendar.

The new track is due to take over the Spanish Grand Prix from the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya near Barcelona, which has hosted the race since 1991. F1 last raced near Madrid in 1981 at the Jarama circuit on the city’s outskirts.

The new venue is due to bring F1 to the Spanish capital from next year with a 5.4-kilometer (3.4-mile) circuit laid out around an area of exhibition halls near Madrid’s main airport, using a mix of existing roads and purpose-built sections of track. The organizers have now confirmed that the Madrid circuit will be referred to as MADRING.

Madrid is the first major European capital to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix, and the circuit’s name reflects this milestone. MADRING merge “Madrid” with “ring”, a term often associated with racing circuits in the F1 world. The organizers promise that "Madrid will come alive with a wide range of F1-themed activities and entertainment initiatives before, during, and after the Grand Prix, immersing the entire region in the Formula 1 experience."

Williams have now revealed that Carlos Sainz will complete a demo run on his home streets of Madrid at the future venue of the Spanish Grand Prix.

The Madrid-born driver will drive an F1 car on part of the MADRING for the first time ever when he pilots the FW45 on Saturday 7 June.

Beginning the homecoming tour at 1900, Sainz will drive along a nearly one-kilometre route that will run through Ribera del Sena Street and part of Avenida del Partenón, ending at the South entrance of IFEMA MADRID.

The four-time F1 race winner will be joined by Catalan driver Pepe Martí, a member of the Red Bull Junior Team currently competing in the FIA Formula 2 Championship with Spanish team Campos Racing, and Mari Boya, also of Campos Racing, who races in the Formula 3 category.

Speaking of the demo run, Sainz said: “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.”

Speaking of the special event, Luis García Abad, who serves as Formula 1 Director of the future Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, noted: “This event is a clear sign of the commitment of Madrid with F1 and a unique opportunity for fans to experience its excitement first-hand.

"Having Carlos Sainz – one of the most respected and admired drivers in the world – as ambassador for the Spanish Grand Prix is a tremendous honour.

"We are thrilled to work with the drivers and Atlassian Williams Racing to launch our roadshow and to kick-start the next chapter of the Spanish Grand Prix.”