Sainz allays concerns regarding delays for the Madrid GP.

      Carlos Sainz has dismissed ongoing rumors that the new Formula 1 circuit in Madrid might not debut as planned in 2026. The Williams driver completed his first demonstration laps at the new ‘Madring’ layout last week and expressed high confidence in the project's timeline due to the progress in construction.

      "I'm an ambassador for the circuit and maintain close communication with the team, and they don’t seem worried at all," Sainz remarked. "Having already completed some laps indicates that it can’t be long before we begin testing," he added with a smile.

      Sainz characterized the hybrid street-permanent layout as particularly ambitious by contemporary Formula 1 standards. "It’s quite different, to be honest," he noted. "It features a street section that transitions into a completely permanent circuit."

      "They’ve created one of the most unique corners I’ve ever encountered," he continued. The Spaniard was particularly taken with the dramatic banked ‘La Monumental’ section, a steeply inclined 180-degree turn partly inspired by bullring architecture.

      "It’s quite banked, but given the speeds we’ll be reaching, we’ll likely exceed 200 kph the entire way through," Sainz explained. "It’s a rather aggressive and intriguing curve. I think fans will enjoy the circuit."

      Nonetheless, Sainz acknowledged that he hadn't fully thought about how Formula 1’s contentious 2026 energy-management regulations might influence the layout. "Good point, I hadn’t considered that," he admitted when asked about potential ‘superclipping’ on the long straights. "There are a couple of lengthy straights that might not cause superclipping but could lead to some clipping."

      In the meantime, Marca reported this week that the project seems to be advancing quickly ahead of its September opening. The newspaper stated that the final asphalt surface has already been applied to significant parts of the circuit, including the banking, and that runoff areas, kerb foundations, and garage structures are nearly finished. The report also mentioned that the FIA is set to receive the completed base infrastructure by May 31, which aligns perfectly with the initial timeline.