The new Madrid urban circuit is now 100% paved. And the best way the organizers have shown this is by having Carlos Sainz take the first lap in Madring’s history. On a Ford Mustang, Sainz delivered a lap that seems to prove what many had already suspected: Madrid has created the perfect circuit for the new Formula 1.
The twists and turns of Madring seem ideal for this new, more electric Formula 1. At first glance, it appears to be a narrow and winding layout with vibes reminiscent of Zandvoort or even Hungaroring. A circuit with lots of battery-recharging zones and few long straights that should pave the way for one of the season’s best races in 2026.
“Here is where we’ll fully enjoy a Formula 1”, says Carlos Sainz
The Madring is a reality now. The new urban circuit at Ifema that will host the Formula 1 race in Madrid is already fully paved, as the video just released demonstrates. Carlos Sainz has completed the first lap in Madrid’s urban circuit aboard a Ford Mustang. And there is a lot more to come.
“Here is where we’ll push a Formula 1 to the max”, says Carlos Sainz in one of the early bends of the Madring. And on the first onboard lap in the circuit’s history you can glimpse something that had already been anticipated on paper: Ifema seems like the ideal layout for the new 2026 Formula 1 season.
The Madring features many twisty sections and almost no long straightaways. In the past it might have seemed like a circuit unfriendly to overtaking, but in today’s Formula 1 what you see is plenty of battery-recharging zones and straights where overtakes could be genuine, rather than mere passes powered by electric boost as on slower, less agile tracks.
“I thought La Monumental already had camber, and now suddenly not only does it have camber, but it’s blind,” says Carlos Sainz as he pushes the Mustang through Madring’s most distinctive section. “You’ve put together a good cocktail,” he adds with a laugh to the event organizers.
In fifteen days Madrid will hand over the urban circuit to the FIA
Note that the Madring organizers will hand the circuit over to the FIA on May 31. That means only two weeks of work remain on what is a pure track layout, which is what the FIA personnel will evaluate. The remaining months until September will be devoted to improving the rest of the facilities.
Remember that the Spanish Grand Prix is planned to be held from September 11 to 13 at the new Madrid circuit. The big question is whether Ifema will debut earlier with some other category as has been speculated, although for now nothing is confirmed. In any case, great news to see that the second Grand Prix in Spain is already a reality.
Images | Madring
