Sainz Sr.: Confident the race in Madrid will go well

      Carlos Sainz, a two-time World Rally Champion and four-time winner of the Dakar Rally, yesterday received a special award — Madrileño of the Year. In other words, the father of the Williams driver became "Madrileño of the Year", and the award ceremony took place in the Royal Palace.

      Of course, the guest of honor also spoke there, and since his son Carlos serves as an ambassador for the MadRing circuit under construction, Sainz Sr. also touched on the topic of the Spanish Grand Prix, which will be held in Madrid starting next year.

      "I am an ambassador of Madrid, and holding the Grand Prix is wonderful news, first and foremost for those who love motorsport, but also for all the people of Madrid," AS newspaper quoted him as saying. "When I traveled to different countries, I compared our city to others, but there is no place on earth better than your home. Madrid is unique, it is constantly developing, and everyone who visits leaves satisfied and happy.

      "God willing, my son will race in a Formula 1 event in Madrid. I am sure that in 2026 the Spanish Grand Prix will be a tremendous success, and that it will help our capital become one of the best cities in the world. I hope this Grand Prix appeals to all the drivers.

      "Speaking of Carlos, there is a round ahead in Brazil, and there can always be difficulties there, since it almost always rains in São Paulo. But I am confident that my son will be able to score points, because in the two previous races he showed excellent speed and performed well in qualifying, but for one reason or another he was unable to make it into the top ten. I hope the upcoming weekend goes better for him."