Asphalt laid in Madrid as Sainz unveils tunnel segments.

      "Something that is very hard for me to articulate"

      Carlos Sainz has taken the first laps around the new Formula 1 circuit in Madrid, with the striking banking and motorway tunnels now emerging as key characteristics of the 2026 SP location. Amid ongoing concerns regarding construction delays and the readiness of the 'Madring' project, the initial complete layer of asphalt has been laid around the IFEMA exhibition center in the Spanish capital. Instead of his usual Williams, Sainz drove a 450bhp Ford Mustang, making him the first F1 driver to navigate the newly established 5.4km semi-street circuit. "It’s something that is very hard for me to articulate," Sainz stated. "I've always dreamed of the chance to compete in my hometown. Madrid is a fantastic city, and having this Formula 1 track will be incredible." According to Auto Motor und Sport, the circuit features a mix of tight city-style sections and flowing high-speed corners, reminiscent of classic permanent tracks. A notable aspect is the two tunnels that run below Madrid’s motorway system. However, the highlight is the large banked Turn 12 section referred to as La Monumental. "Sustained for nearly half a kilometer," Sainz mentioned regarding the 24-degree banking. "This will enable side-by-side racing, particularly to escape from the dirty air. Go high, go low." "And here right at the end, as you notice, it ascends and then descends. So it’s not just banking; it’s also a sort of up-and-down banking. I believe this will be epic." "There will be grandstands on both the left and right. I don’t think you find that in many places." Sainz also thinks that the uniquely wide layout will facilitate overtaking, even with the semi-street characteristics of the track. "The wide track will enhance our ability to overtake," he forecasted. "That’s not typically the case on street circuits."