Carlos Sainz Ready for an “Unforgettable” Spanish GP at the New Madrid F1 Circuit

From Monza to Madrid: A High-Stakes Homecoming

The Formula 1 World Championship leaves the Autódromo Nacional de Monza behind and heads directly to Spain for the much-anticipated debut of the MadRing circuit. For Sainz, the transition follows a demanding 53-lap race in Italy where mechanical management and energy deployment issues hindered his progress from the start. Despite finishing 13th, the Madrid native emphasized that his sights were already locked on his home race.

“A 13th-place finish that won’t shine or be seen much. You have to think about Madrid, probably until now the Grand Prix that is most special in my sporting career,” Sainz told DAZN after the race in Monza.

The Italian round itself delivered historical drama as Kimi Antonelli charged from 19th on the grid—handicapped by a power unit penalty—to secure a historic victory. Antonelli’s triumph ended a 60-year drought for Italian winners at Monza, leading a Mercedes one-two ahead of George Russell, while Max Verstappen rounded out the podium. Sainz fought through the opening laps, executing a clean pit stop that allowed him to pass Esteban Ocon before spending the latter half of the race chasing Nico Hülkenberg’s faster machine.

Unprecedented Realities at the MadRing Circuit

Formula 1 returns to Madrid after a 45-year absence via a brand-new hybrid layout spanning 5.47 kilometers across 22 corners. The circuit’s defining feature is La Monumental—Turn 12—a sweeping, heavily banked section stretching approximately 547 meters with a maximum inclination of 24 percent. Drivers will navigate this stretch in roughly six seconds, making it the longest banked corner on the current calendar.

Sainz noted that the lack of prior F1 data on the track leaves teams and drivers starting virtually from scratch. Having previously driven a Ford Mustang around the layout and analyzed reams of data from the team, the Spaniard believes he holds a slight familiarity advantage, though he cautions that the track layout presents unique physical and technical hurdles.

“Curve, counter-curve, wall, counter-wall… It reminds me of a mix between Jeddah and Baku,” Sainz analyzed, pointing to slick asphalt conditions and immense tire wear as primary concerns.

A Childhood Dream Realized Amid Intense Pressure

The local favorite has experienced an overwhelming wave of public support leading up to the race weekend, highlighted by a massive gathering in Madrid’s Plaza de Callao. The reception underscores the immense local anticipation surrounding the event, which has triggered more than 100 ticket requests from friends and acquaintances alone.

“At 10 or 11 years old, I never would have thought about racing in my city,” Sainz reflected during a media session organized by his long-time sponsor Estrella Galicia. Embracing a touch of tradition, Sainz will sleep at his parents’ family home between sessions this weekend—an unprecedented routine in his professional career—and will wear a special helmet design honoring his racing origins.

While Sainz currently sits 16th in the Drivers’ Championship standings with six points—while Antonelli leads the field with 267 points—he remains realistic about his immediate competitive prospects with Williams. Acknowledging that fighting for victory is out of reach under current car performance, he maintains an optimistic outlook for the team’s future development trajectory, noting that upcoming upgrades are slated for the following round in Azerbaijan.

“Winning in Madrid myself, I have it complicated. This year no, but maybe next year it will be my turn,” Sainz remarked, balancing local ambition with long-term team progression.