Carlos Sainz Jr. has given Formula 1 fans their first on-track look at the new Madring circuit after completing an official demonstration run ahead of the venue’s debut on the 2026 calendar.
Driving a 450bhp Ford Mustang GT, the Spanish driver completed the opening laps of the new 5.4km circuit, which is set to host the Spanish Grand Prix from next season.
The run marked an important milestone for the Madrid-based project, which has remained largely conceptual until now. Early footage of the 22-turn layout quickly spread across social media, triggering strong reactions from fans and analysts across the motorsport world.
Some supporters questioned the visual design and overall flow of the circuit, with criticism focusing on several tight sections and the unusual layout visible from aerial images.
Others, however, defended the project and pointed to the circuit’s wide track design and combination of street-style sections with permanent racing areas as reasons for optimism ahead of its Formula 1 debut.
Sainz himself offered a more positive assessment after completing the laps, saying the circuit felt faster in reality than many people expected based on early renderings and simulations.
The Spanish Grand Prix venue is expected to become one of the most closely watched additions to the Formula 1 calendar in recent years as Madrid prepares to replace Barcelona as the primary home of the race.
Beyond his role behind the wheel, Sainz has also become one of the main ambassadors for the Madring project. The Williams driver has openly supported the development, describing Madrid as the city he misses most while competing around the world.
He previously stated that he believes the circuit has the potential to become one of the standout venues on the Formula 1 calendar if development continues successfully.
The 2026 Spanish Grand Prix at Madring is scheduled to take place from September 11 to 13 and will form part of a major European double-header alongside the Italian Grand Prix.
With construction progressing and public interest already growing rapidly, the new circuit now faces the challenge of proving itself not only visually, but also as a venue capable of producing exciting wheel-to-wheel racing.
For now, Sainz’s first laps have achieved one thing immediately: putting Madring firmly at the centre of Formula 1 conversation long before the lights go out for its first Grand Prix.
