Carlos Sainz Hails Madrid’s Madring As Potential “Best Circuit In The World”

Williams driver Carlos Sainz has high hopes for the new Madring circuit in Madrid, which is set to debut on the Formula 1 calendar next season. The Spaniard believes that the 5.47-kilometer layout, featuring 22 turns, has the potential to host the best race on the calendar.

“I think we can be the best circuit in the world and the best event of the whole calendar,” Sainz told reporters on Friday. “There will be 24 or 25 races, and I honestly think along with Mexico, Miami, Las Vegas that do it very well but sincerely I trust a lot in Madrid and I believe that Madrid can do better.”

The Madrid-born driver, who is serving as an ambassador for the event, described the circuit as having a “hybrid character” with tight street sections and a more open area featuring high-speed corners.

Construction Begins on €83.2 Million Project

Local authorities have confirmed that licenses and paperwork are ready for construction to begin on the Madring circuit, which will be located in an urban area in Madrid’s northeast, around the IFEMA exhibition center. Spanish engineering firm Acciona and France’s Eiffage have been awarded the contract to build the circuit, with an expected completion date of May 2026 and a total cost of €83.2 million ($94.57m).

Madrid to Replace Barcelona as Spanish Grand Prix Host

The new Madring circuit will eventually replace the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, which currently hosts the Spanish Grand Prix. Spain is set for an overlap next season, with both Madrid and Barcelona expected to feature on the calendar, as the latter enters the final year of its contract.

Manuel Avino, president of Spain’s automobile federation, highlighted the significance of Spain potentially hosting two Formula 1 races starting in 2026, stating, “Fortunately, and God willing that all goes well, Spain – starting in 2026 – will be the only country in the world except for the United States to host two Formula 1 races.”

However, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has indicated that it may be difficult for countries to maintain two races on the calendar in the long run, given the growing interest in the sport, adding “”It will be increasingly difficult to have two grands prix in the same country because the interest in our sport is growing. It will be difficult for this current situation to continue for a long time.”

Italy, which currently hosts races at Monza and Imola, may face a similar situation, with Imola’s contract set to expire at the end of 2025 and a new deal looking unlikely.