Sainz previews intense Madring challenge for Spanish GP debut
Carlos Sainz called the new hybrid street-permanent Madring circuit fun yet one of the toughest on the 2026 calendar. The Williams driver compared it to Jeddah and Baku after simulator and F3 test footage, highlighting its intensity, walls and high-load corners ahead of the Spanish GP debut in Madrid.
Sainz describes Madring demands
Carlos Sainz previewed the new Madring circuit ahead of the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid. The Williams driver said the hybrid street-permanent layout would rank among the calendar's toughest.[1]
Sainz compared the 5.419 km track with its 22 corners to Jeddah and Baku. He noted high intensity from turn after turn and wall after wall based on simulator runs and F3 test footage.[2]
The banked Monumental corner stands out for its length and gradient. Sainz described the overall challenge as fun for drivers while stressing the need for confidence before pushing limits on a debut layout.[3]
Track context for debut weekend
Sainz, a Madrid native and circuit ambassador, called the home race a career milestone.[4] He expressed excitement to race close to family while acknowledging Williams faces a difficult weekend before upgrades arrive in Baku.
Related reading
- [1]Carlos Sainz: Tengo ganas de probar el Madring, que diría que es parecido a Bakú y a Yeda (cadenaser). Accessed 2026-09-09.
- [2]Carlos Sainz: Correr en Madrid es un hito que jamás me planteé cuando tenía 10 años (infobae). Accessed 2026-09-09.
- [3]Sainz expects 'fun' but 'intense' new track as Spanish GP returns to Madrid to sold-out crowd (clickorlando). Accessed 2026-09-09.
- [4]EXCLUSIVE: 'A huge milestone in my career' - Carlos Sainz on bringing F1 back to his home city of Madrid (formula1). Accessed 2026-09-09.