Tag: Carlos Sainz

F1 Drivers Unveil Striking One-Off Helmet Designs for First Madrid Spanish GP

F1 Drivers Unveil Special Helmets for Inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at Madrid’s Madring Circuit

Formula 1’s highly anticipated arrival in Madrid for the Spanish Grand Prix has inspired multiple drivers to debut one-off helmet designs for the historic first race at the Madring circuit. Set around the IFEMA exhibition centre, the new venue marks a significant shift for the Spanish Grand Prix, and three prominent drivers — home favorites Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso, along with McLaren’s Lando Norris — have revealed bespoke headgear to commemorate the occasion.

Carlos Sainz Honors Karting Roots with Nostalgic Design

Madrid native Carlos Sainz, who also serves as an ambassador for the Madring circuit, chose his home race to revive a design tracing back to his karting debut in 2005. The helmet features a clean white base accented by prominent red and yellow details representing the Spanish flag. The original 2005 design drew inspiration from the helmet worn by his father, rallying legend Carlos Sainz Sr.

“From my first karting race in 2005 to my first F1 race in Madrid. For this helmet, I wanted to go back to where it all started, bring back that first design inspired by my dad’s and give it my own touch today. Can’t wait to race with it at home!”

Sainz posted the message alongside images of the helmet, connecting his formative years in motorsport with his current Formula 1 homecoming.

Fernando Alonso Debuts Sleek All-Black BOSS Collaboration

Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso introduced a stark departure from his typically colorful helmet livery. Collaborating with team partner BOSS, the two-time world champion unveiled a one-off design captioned “Tailored for speed.” Alonso arrived at the Madrid paddock wearing a matching BOSS Performance Suit and carrying the coordinating helmet.

The new lid adopts an all-black aesthetic with subtle white accents, presenting a minimalist, performance-focused look that aligns with the BOSS brand identity.

Lando Norris Teams Up with Madrid Artist Be Fernandez for Pop-Art Creation

McLaren’s Lando Norris also commissioned a unique helmet for his first Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid. The British driver partnered with Madrid-based artist, illustrator, and muralist Be Fernandez to create a vibrant pop-art design.

“For my first race in Madrid I wanted to do something that felt properly connected to the city,”

Norris explained, emphasizing his desire for authentic local representation.

“Be knows Madrid and its culture far better than I ever could, so I basically gave her the helmet and told her to do her thing,”

he continued, describing the collaborative process.

“I love what she’s come up with – it brings together Madrid, her style and a bit of me as well. It’s fun, different and just a really cool design.”

The resulting artwork blends Fernandez’s distinctive Madrid-influenced style with elements of Norris’s personal branding, creating a helmet that celebrates the host city through a contemporary artistic lens.

With three distinct approaches — heritage, brand collaboration, and local artistic partnership — the special helmets underscore the significance of Formula 1’s Madrid debut and the drivers’ engagement with the new venue’s inaugural race weekend.

09/10/2026
F1 Drivers React to ‘Insane’ New Madring Circuit: ‘A Dream Come True to Race Here’

Formula 1 Returns to Madrid: Drivers React to the New Madring Circuit

Formula 1 drivers will once again experience the thrill of racing at a new venue this weekend at the Spanish Grand Prix, where anticipation for the unknown has already spread through the paddock at the Madring. Spain’s capital city welcomes F1 back for the first time in 45 years with a purpose-built track that blends public roads with permanent sections. Its high speeds, twisty layout, and unique banked corner — suitably named La Monumental — have generated significant discussion about what to expect when the action begins.

Homecoming for Carlos Sainz at the Madring

While on-track running starts with Free Practice 1 at 13:30 local time on Friday, September 11, many drivers have already used simulators to familiarize themselves with the venue, and early reactions suggest competitive sessions ahead. Madrid-born Carlos Sainz is especially eager for the round. The Spaniard will not only contest his first true home race but also serves as a circuit ambassador. Sainz was the first driver on the grid to complete a lap of the Madring, albeit in a road car while the track was still incomplete. At the time, he called it “honestly impressive” and admitted that he “didn’t expect it to be so flowing, so wide” — comments he expanded upon upon his return to the city.

“I’m for sure going to enjoy this a lot,” he told the media on Thursday. “It’s going to be busy, but also emotional. I’m going to try and enjoy it as much as possible. It looks like the track has a character that is charismatic, with a lot of different types of corners.”

Alonso Embraces Double Spanish Round

Fernando Alonso, who boasts 25 years of racing in Spain as an F1 driver, finds this weekend no less remarkable. Instead, the two-time champion embraces the chance to compete twice in his home nation in the same season, having already contested the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.

“It’s going to be a very nice weekend,” Alonso said. “We have this privilege to race two times in Spain this year, and for the very first time in Madrid. It is special. Also a new track, so it adds this challenge for everyone to learn the track as quick as possible in Free Practice. For me, it’s double special being in Spain.

“Madrid is one of the best cities in the world so to have a Grand Prix and to welcome F1 here is incredible. I think for any racing driver, to win in Madrid will mean a lot.

“It’s very technical, lots of kerb riding and a couple of high-speed sections where you need to get very close to the walls, which is very attractive and very high adrenaline for a driver – close to Jeddah.”

Alpine Duo Excited by Technical Challenge

Alpine’s Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto shared similar enthusiasm after their strong Monza outing, where Gasly claimed a shock pole position before the pair delivered a double points finish.

“The track itself on the simulator looked insane,” Gasly raved. “To drive it was very fun – lots of technical and twisty corners. From everything I’ve heard, it’s definitely something very unique. So, big challenge, but I’m excited for this type of weekend where everything is brand new for everyone.

“I think the challenge driving-wise should not be underestimated, because it’s 15 corners, and they’re absolutely crazy – with undulation, going up and down, banking, 90-degree corners, 180-degree corners, low speed, high speed – you name it, you’ve got a bit of everything.

“It’s exciting. As a driver, it feels like you’re going to have many opportunities around the lap to actually make these small gains everywhere. I think the track layout is something I’ve never seen before. I’m sure we’re going to have huge adrenaline in the car.”

Colapinto, who previously lived in Madrid, added a personal perspective:

“I’m really excited to be back here in Spain. Madrid does feel like the closest to home, I think especially because of my previous experiences and how I started in Europe – I started here in Madrid.

“To be racing here in F1 is a dream come true. I think it’s very good for the sport as well to have another big city like Madrid being back on the calendar, putting a very exciting track [together]. It looks like a very good one to drive. It’s going to be cool.”

Midfield and Frontrunners Alike Anticipate Opportunities

Cadillac driver Sergio Perez labelled the venue “a proper track”, while Ollie Bearman admitted that “new tracks are always incredibly fun for us” — possibly because incidents at unfamiliar circuits can create openings for midfield teams like Haas to score.

The frontrunners also anticipate an intriguing round. Mercedes’ George Russell, targeting his first win since Round 8 in Austria, offered his assessment:

“It seems a wild track to be fair,” he admitted. “It’s mental but excited to experience it. Going to be a real challenge and I think Qualifying is going to be important.

“The level of everyone in F1 is exceptionally high. It’s going to be a circuit where you need confidence. Very challenging, lots of high speed corners, aggressive kerbs. Going to be an experience for sure. Just try and keep out of the wall and build up to it.”

With a layout described as technical, high-speed, and unlike anything else on the calendar, the Madring promises a compelling debut for Formula 1 in Madrid.

09/10/2026
Formula 1’s Spanish Football Connections: From Real Madrid to World Champions

Formula 1 Returns to Madrid: Madring Debut Unites Motorsport and Spanish Football Royalty

Formula 1 lands in Madrid this weekend for the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at the all-new Madring circuit, marking the sport’s return to the capital after a 45-year absence since the last race at Jarama. The 5.4km, 22-corner layout arrives at a historic moment for Spanish sport: both the men’s and women’s national football teams hold World Cup titles, while the city’s two football giants—Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid—are deeply embedded in the Grand Prix’s fabric.

Real Madrid Roots Run Deep in the F1 Paddock

Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso, Spain’s two Formula 1 stars, are lifelong Real Madrid supporters, a passion inherited from their fathers. Carlos Sainz Sr., a two-time World Rally Champion and four-time Dakar Rally winner, even had trials with Los Blancos as a teenager before switching to motorsport.

Both drivers regularly wear Real Madrid shirts in the paddock. Alonso’s bond with the club was formalized in 2017 when he became an official honorary member—the club’s highest distinction. Sainz Sr. received the same honour in 2021.

For Sainz Jr., the homecoming is personal. Born and raised in Madrid, the Williams driver serves as a Madring ambassador and became the first driver to complete a lap of the finished circuit earlier this year.

Real Madrid City: Neighbours to the Madring

Ahead of the inaugural race, Real Madrid signed on as an official Local Event Supporter. The partnership is geographically poetic: Real Madrid City, the club’s state-of-the-art training complex in Valdebebas, sits just 200 metres from the Madring’s northern entrance. Selected club facilities will be integrated into Grand Prix operations, and Real Madrid will maintain a hospitality presence throughout the weekend.

That proximity puts F1 cars racing metres from the training ground of World Cup winners. Marc Cucurella, who joined Real Madrid this summer after playing every minute of Spain’s 2026 World Cup triumph, is among the stars preparing just down the road.

Atletico Madrid Joins the Grid with Five-Year Partnership

The capital’s other heavyweight, Atletico Madrid, has also agreed a five-year deal as a Local Event Supporter. Their involvement extends beyond the circuit: the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium will serve as a major fan hub, hosting experiences, hospitality, and the Grand Prix’s main concert, with shuttle services connecting the venue to Madring.

Atletico will also have a dedicated presence at the circuit itself. The club arrives buoyed by its contribution to Spain’s World Cup-winning squad—supplying the largest number of players from a single team to a World Cup final since 1934, according to the club.

World Cup Winners Bridge the Two Sports

The crossover is already active. Ferran Torres, part of Spain’s 2026 World Cup-winning side, was a guest of Audi at Monza last weekend, inspecting the Audi R26 alongside driver Gabriel Bortoleto and race engineer Jose Manuel Lopez. He was joined by a roster of football talent including Sandro Tonali, Curtis Jones, Serge Gnabry, and Cesc Fabregas.

With Spain still celebrating global football dominance, the convergence of the nation’s two sporting passions is set to intensify as Formula 1 takes centre stage in Madrid.

When El Clasico Went Virtual

Real Madrid and Barcelona’s rivalry once played out on a Formula 1 grid. During the Covid-19 pandemic, F1’s Virtual Grand Prix series featured a Virtual Spanish Grand Prix where Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois raced for Alfa Romeo and Barcelona midfielder Arthur Melo drove for Haas. They were joined by Sergio Aguero at Red Bull alongside Alex Albon, while F1 regulars Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris, and George Russell also competed on a digital Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

Football Stars Are No Strangers to the Spanish GP

Previous Spanish Grands Prix have drawn heavy football attendance. The 2025 race in Barcelona saw the England men’s national team visit the paddock, with Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka spotted alongside former Real Madrid and Brazil defender Roberto Carlos. Robert Lewandowski performed the ceremonial duty of waving the chequered flag.

A year later, the 2026 Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix coincided with the World Cup’s opening weekend. Drivers tested their shooting skills in the paddock, Pierre Gasly and Isack Hadjar played a kickabout on a local pitch, and Racing Bulls rebranded as ‘VCARB FC’ with a football-inspired crest and special livery. Sergio Busquets, a 2010 World Cup winner, has been a frequent visitor to Spanish Grands Prix, including the Barcelona-Catalunya race earlier this season.

Madrid Braces for a Festival of Speed and Football

As the Madring prepares for its baptism of fire, the ingredients are unique: a brand-new street circuit, one of the world’s biggest football clubs training metres away, another converting its stadium into a Grand Prix village, and a nation still riding the high of World Cup glory. When the lights go out this weekend, Formula 1’s newest chapter in Spain will be written to the rhythm of football fever.

09/10/2026
“It’s always the same” – Carlos Sainz weighs in on Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton’s Monza clash

Carlos Sainz has drawn on his four years as Charles Leclerc’s teammate at Ferrari to downplay any lingering tension between Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton following their collision at the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix.

Sainz and Leclerc were evenly matched during their stint together at the Scuderia from 2021 to 2024, with Sainz accumulating 900.5 points to Leclerc’s 1,029. That parity occasionally sparked on-track friction, such as at the 2024 Spanish Grand Prix where Sainz accused the Monegasque of complaining too much after contact while overtaking in Barcelona. However, the pair always resolved disagreements internally, a dynamic Sainz believes Leclerc and Hamilton must now replicate.

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari Photo by: Andy Hone/ LAT Images via Getty Images

Sainz: Conflict Is Normal Between Competitive Teammates

Speaking in Madrid on Thursday, Sainz emphasized that clashes are inevitable when two top drivers share a garage.

It’s none of my business, but I can tell you that when you have two competitive team-mates, these kind of situations are always going to happen.

Me with Charles, always twice, two or three times a year, we always had a bit of a discussion or an argument, but after the race or the morning after we would call each other and sort it out.

So yeah, I think it’s normal when you’re fighting for podiums or wins in a competitive team and there’s situations into turn one or situations fighting the race or with strategy, you always end up one day being not happy with the way it’s been handled and the next day maybe you’ve been favoured.

It’s always the same case and I don’t know the way it’s being handled right now, but when I was there in Ferrari with Charles, we would always sort it out among each other and we would get on with it and yeah, we had a good time.

Monza Collision: Diverging Accounts

At Monza, Leclerc forced Hamilton into the gravel at the start, allowing Leclerc to retain third while Hamilton dropped to tenth after crashing at Parabolica on lap two. Post-race, Leclerc accepted shared blame, claiming we went too far, but Hamilton firmly rejected that narrative.

I was ahead in Turn 2, by the apex I was ahead, there was no ‘we’ in it.

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari Photo by: Eric Le Galliot

Hamilton expanded on his perspective, defending his racing ethics and pointing to team leadership.

Look, I don’t race dirty, he added at Monza. I’ve always raced clean and fairly and always left space.

I’ve come into the team and tried to be respectful of space and definitely not put the team in jeopardy. I stand by that and all I can talk about is on my side. You have to speak to Fred [Vasseur, team principal] about the other side and decisions that are taken there.

Ultimately it comes from the top. It trickles down, decisions. It starts with Fred. There’s only so much you can say, so much you can push and shout from the mountain top.

Yesterday, I said we’ve got to look at how we communicate. If we continue to travel the same path, we get the same result. We keep getting the same result.

Hamilton Questions Ferrari’s Rules of Engagement

The Monza incident is the latest flashpoint in a season where Hamilton has repeatedly criticized Ferrari’s operational execution. At Zandvoort, he was frustrated by a lack of team orders while running behind Leclerc, a scenario he felt cost him a podium finish. Ferrari now trails Mercedes by 122 points in the Constructors’ Championship.

Hamilton contrasted the current environment with his Mercedes tenure, where clear protocols governed teammate battles.

I think it comes down to rules of engagement, said Hamilton in Italy. When I was at Mercedes, we had a written rule of engagement.

We never really had it too bad. Maybe moments with me and Nico [Rosberg] a couple of times. But more often than not it was good. Here, there are no rules.

09/10/2026
Why Ferrari won’t have to worry about another manhole cover incident at the Madring

Formula 1 Madrid Debut: Madring Circuit Eliminates Manhole Cover Risk That Plagued Las Vegas

Formula 1 is preparing to race on a brand-new circuit for the first time since 2023. The Madring, located in Madrid, will host the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix this weekend, marking a significant expansion of the championship’s European calendar.

A Modern Semi-Urban Circuit Design

In line with many new venues introduced over the last 15 years, the Madring is classified as a street circuit, though it follows a specific hybrid model. While it incorporates sections of public road, portions have been purpose-built to host Formula 1 machinery. This approach places it alongside contemporary semi-urban venues such as Sochi, Jeddah, and Miami, blending city atmosphere with dedicated racing infrastructure.

Anticipation is building among teams and fans, though some observers approach the debut with a degree of apprehension. Early simulations and track data suggest the Madring may present a particularly difficult challenge to master, combining high-speed sections with technical street-circuit characteristics.

Carlos Sainz was taken out in FP1 by a manhole cover that broke free. Photo by: Erik Junius

Learning from the Las Vegas 2023 Incident

New circuit debuts often serve to iron out operational kinks, but the Madring organizers have proactively addressed a specific issue that disrupted the Las Vegas Grand Prix debut in 2023. During the first practice session (FP1) on the Las Vegas Strip Circuit, Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari struck a manhole cover that came loose due to a fault in the concrete securing it.

While Sainz escaped injury, the incident caused significant damage to his car. The repercussions were severe for Ferrari, resulting in both a sporting penalty—a grid drop for the Spaniard—and substantial financial cost. The session was cancelled after just 10 minutes, and the second practice session was postponed until 2:30 am local time, running in front of empty grandstands after spectators were evacuated.

No manhole covers, no problem, right? Photo by: Simon Galloway / LAT Images via Getty Images

Zero Manhole Covers: A Design Mandate

The Las Vegas experience proved seminal for the Spanish Grand Prix organizers. Ferrari, which has a vested interest in preventing a recurrence, has revealed that the Madring’s very design accounted for the persistent manhole cover hazard on street circuits.

The solution was straightforward but radical: the 5.416 km track layout features zero manhole covers on the racing surface. Ferrari confirmed this specification in its official race presentation, stating:

“Zero. The number of manhole covers on the track. To avoid the problems seen at other street circuits, the design specified there would be none in the track surface.”

This proactive engineering decision offers a sigh of relief for Ferrari and for Sainz, who serves as an ambassador for the Madrid circuit. By eliminating the infrastructure hazard at the design stage, the Madring aims to ensure that the focus remains on racing performance rather than avoidable mechanical failures.

09/10/2026
Madring Circuit Unveiled Ahead of Inaugural Grand Prix

Excitement is building as Madrid prepares to host Formula 1 for the first time in over four decades, with fresh images revealing the brand-new Madring circuit ahead of the inaugural race weekend.

A Unique Street-Permanent Hybrid Layout

The circuit combines permanent track sections with public roads, creating a twisty layout that presents a distinctive challenge for drivers. This hybrid design sets Madring apart from traditional venues on the calendar.

Home Hero Carlos Sainz Leads Local Anticipation

Few are more enthusiastic than track ambassador Carlos Sainz, who was born in the Spanish capital. The Ferrari driver previously experienced the venue earlier this season, as did his team during a dedicated filming session. However, the dynamics will shift significantly when all 22 competitors take to the circuit simultaneously for the first time this weekend.

First Look at the Madring Circuit

View the latest images from the Madring in the gallery above for a detailed preview of Formula 1’s newest destination.

09/09/2026
Five Things to Watch at the F1 Spanish Grand Prix

Formula 1 Debuts at Madrid’s Madring Circuit for 2026 Spanish Grand Prix

Formula 1 arrives at a new venue this weekend as the Madring circuit hosts the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix on the outskirts of Madrid. The event replaces Barcelona, which held the Spanish GP earlier in June under a revised calendar slot won by Lewis Hamilton. This marks the first time Madrid has featured on the F1 calendar since the Jarama circuit hosted a round in 1981.

Logistical Teething Problems Expected at New Venue

New circuits often face operational growing pains. The inaugural Miami Grand Prix struggled with catering logistics, while established venues like Monza and Abu Dhabi still contend with access bottlenecks. Early reports from the Madring suggest similar challenges: media personnel, including Pedro de la Rosa and Kimi Antonelli, were seen navigating confusion between the media centre and paddock. With this round forming the second leg of a double-header, teams face compressed setup schedules amid the disarray.

Track surface condition adds another variable. Fresh asphalt can behave unpredictably, though organizers have pressure-washed the circuit to remove oily residues. Recent theft of wiring for signage systems compounds the uncertainty.

Kimi Antonelli Extends Championship Lead After Monza Dominance

Andrea Kimi Antonelli strengthened his title grip with victory at the Italian Grand Prix, expanding his advantage to 66 points over team-mate George Russell with ten rounds remaining. Russell conceded the championship is effectively decided:

“Yeah, Kimi’s definitely in control of it and he’s deserving to be in control of it,” he said. “I’m not even thinking about a fight or a comeback or anything. I’m just focused on taking it race by race and trying to maximise every single weekend. “He’s performing incredibly well. It’s going to be exceptionally challenging to overcome that gap, so I’m just sort of accepting that is what it is. I’m just going to enjoy it from here on in and try and win as many races as possible.”

Antonelli’s Monza win came from 19th on the grid, underscoring his pace advantage. Russell, who opened the season with victory in Melbourne, has seen his challenge undone by misfortune and the rookie’s consistency. Madrid represents another step toward Antonelli’s maiden title.

Yuki Tsunoda’s Extended Racing Bulls Stint Continues

Initially expected as a one-off replacement at Zandvoort, Yuki Tsunoda will make his third consecutive start for Racing Bulls in Madrid. The opportunity arises from Isack Hadjar‘s ongoing recovery from a wrist injury sustained during the August break. Hadjar has now missed Zandvoort, Monza, and the upcoming Spanish GP.

The situation benefits both Racing Bulls drivers. Liam Lawson, subbing at Red Bull, has impressed with consistent points finishes. Tsunoda, without a confirmed 2026 seat and linked to an IndyCar move, uses these outings to rebuild reputation after a difficult 2025 Red Bull tenure. He scored points at Monza and could challenge for another top-ten result given Racing Bulls’ midfield form.

Red Flag Risk Looms Over Madring Debut

An F3 test at the Madring last month produced 19 red flags, including several heavy impacts. The circuit’s hybrid layout—blending public roads with high-speed bespoke sections and limited run-off—raises concerns for F1’s first competitive running.

Focus centers on Turn 12 (La Monumental), a steeply banked corner with varying radii and elevation changes. The sequences preceding and following it feature unforgiving exit walls that encroach onto the racing line. Carlos Sainz, serving as event ambassador, warned of the challenge:

“I think definitely with the way they’ve put the barriers and the design of the track, it’s going to be one of the biggest challenges in Formula 1 recently,” said Carlos Sainz. “The track reminds me a lot of Jeddah, reminds me a lot of Baku, even reminds me a bit of Macau in some ways. So having that in an F1 car with 1,000 horsepower is going to be quite an interesting challenge.”

Sainz referenced the F3 test incidents and anticipates a chaotic qualifying session:

“I’ve been looking at the track and hearing of what happened in the F3 test,” he added. “I think we are all expecting safety cars and red flags and yellow flags in qualifying and things like this. “It’s been a tendency of Formula 1 to go to these kinds of tracks like Jeddah and Baku recently, that are closer to the city, Miami, but they have more walls and we haven’t had any issues with it.”

Ferrari Internal Tensions Under Scrutiny After Monza Clash

Ferrari arrives under scrutiny following the Lewis Hamilton–Charles Leclerc collision at Monza’s opening chicane. Hamilton attempted an inside pass at Turn 1; Leclerc held the line into Turn 2, forcing Hamilton into the gravel and dropping him down the order. Hamilton criticized the team’s lack of clear engagement rules, referencing his Mercedes tenure:

“there are no rules” at Maranello.

Ferrari conducted a filming day at the Madring in July, potentially offering a data advantage. However, resolving the driver dynamic remains the immediate priority as the team navigates an unpredictable weekend.

09/09/2026
Carlos Sainz to Launch First Fifty Five Merchandise Collection Ahead of Madrid F1 Race

Carlos Sainz to Launch Fifty Five Merchandise at Spanish Grand Prix

Carlos Sainz has teased the first merchandise drop from his Fifty Five brand ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid.

Formula 1 will race through the Spanish capital for the first time in September, giving the Williams driver an opportunity to launch his new collection in front of his home crowd. Sainz addressed fan confusion over his recent cryptic social media posts while reading and responding to comments.

“I’m seeing a lot of questions – we don’t know what this is, what’s coming – but today is the day,” Sainz said. “I’m going to give you some hints. ‘At this stage, it’s not only clear that everything is completely unclear, but I’m intrigued 100%.’ That’s exactly what we were trying to do. Make it clearly unclear.

“‘I have gone from cycling equipment to merchandise to clothing to photography, and I’m back to knowing nothing.’ That is the point. We are making you go the whole loop around to see what’s coming.

“Yes, there is cycling. Yes, there is photography. Yes, there is clothing. Yes, there is merchandise, and yes, there are many other things.”

Fifty Five merchandise launch planned for Madrid

Sainz confirmed that the merchandise launch will coincide with the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix.

“I’m going to use my home grand prix to make sure I launch my first merch drop,”

the 31-year-old said.

“I think Madrid is so special, and it needed to be the first time I dropped something like that.”

According to Carlos Sainz’s official website, the Spanish driver has unveiled separate elements of his wider brand strategy. Team Fifty 5 has been created as a community space for his fans.

“It brings fan activations and merchandising together in one space,”

the website confirms.

Alongside Team Fifty 5, Sainz has introduced Fifty Five as a

“premium lifestyle brand”.

Explaining the idea behind the brand in a note on his website, Sainz said:

“This has been something I’ve thought about for a while. I wanted to create something that felt personal — my own taste, my own perspective, away from racing,” Sainz explained in a note on the website.

“But I also wanted something for the fans, a space and products that speak to them directly. With this, I feel we’re able to give something to every type of fan, in the way that makes sense for them.”

Products already listed include a limited-edition signed black-and-white Miami poster, a Fifty Five x Gobik cycling jersey, a signed and numbered black-and-white Miami visor poster, and 2026 British Grand Prix mini helmets.

08/31/2026
Carlos Sainz Could Extend His F1 Career Through 2040

Williams driver Carlos Sainz believes he could continue racing in Formula 1 until he is 45, meaning he could still be competing when the 2040 season begins.

Sainz is currently contesting his 12th F1 season. The four-time Grand Prix winner will turn 32 on Tuesday and is the sixth-oldest driver on the grid, behind Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton, Nico Hulkenberg, and Cadillac pairing Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez.

How long can Carlos Sainz remain in Formula 1?

Sainz remains convinced that he has many years ahead of him. Hamilton recently became the oldest race winner since 1994 at the age of 41, while 45-year-old Alonso is the oldest points scorer since 1974.

“Looking at what Fernando and Lewis are still capable of doing, and also Nico, who is a few years older than me, it confirms to me that you can maintain a very high level of driving for a long time,” the former Toro Rosso, Renault, McLaren and Ferrari driver told Motorsport.com in an exclusive interview. “I’m fortunate to be in a sport that allows you to remain at this level for many years.

“I also have an example in my own family… My father Carlos isn’t in Formula 1, but at 63 he’s still competitive, and two years ago he won the Dakar.

“If you look after your physical condition and maintain strong motivation, you can extend your career for a long time. You need to be in a good place mentally, because you also have to factor in all the travelling, as well as the marketing and media commitments. Putting those aspects aside, I think you can keep going until you’re 45.”

Sainz still motivated to compete

Sainz is currently 16th in the drivers’ championship with a struggling Williams team, but he insists that he still has the motivation and desire to remain in Formula 1.

“Right now, yes,” he replied. “I think I’ll stay in Formula 1 for as long as I can. I don’t understand people who say ‘no’.

“It’s strange, because my theory is that at 40 you’re not even halfway through your life, and I ask myself what I’m going to do in the second half of it.

“I enjoy playing golf, cycling, playing padel and challenging myself with business activities, but even if I put all of those things together, they still don’t give me the same enjoyment I get from being where I am today.

“I’m aware of how fortunate I am to be part of this sport. It’s true that 24 races are a lot and that there are many other commitments around them, but when I go to bed at night, I remind myself that I wouldn’t trade all of this for anything in the world.”

Source: www.motorsport.com

08/31/2026
James Vowles Admits He Feared Losing Both Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon Amid Williams’ Struggles

Williams team principal James Vowles has admitted he was concerned the team could lose both Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon during its difficult 2026 Formula 1 campaign.

However, confirmation that both drivers will remain with Williams next season has given the Grove-based team a major boost, with Vowles saying a “weight lifted” off the factory.

Williams feared losing Sainz and Albon

Williams climbed from ninth to fifth in the 2025 constructors’ championship, with Sainz securing two podium finishes. The team has struggled to match that progress in 2026 and currently sits ninth after scoring just 11 points.

Despite the downturn in form, Sainz and Albon were recently confirmed as Williams drivers for next season. Speaking to the media during the Dutch Grand Prix weekend, shortly after the announcements, Vowles was asked whether he had feared losing the pair.

“[I was] concerned about losing both, because they are World Championship-material drivers that deserve the opportunity to be fighting for podiums or more, and we haven’t delivered that,” he explained.

“And more than that, we had a scope of where we were moving to. I think that there’s no doubt if you sort of look to the outside – I hope there’s no doubt – over the last few years, we’ve been slowly stepping forward with last year being a blip. I think [it was] too positive from where we were, but a step in the right direction.

“So for us to move backwards isn’t just a surprise to the drivers, it’s a surprise to everyone else, and that will always create risk that you lose them. What I’m thankful for is, the moment we had problems, they stood by our side.

“There wasn’t finger pointing, it was actually, ‘tell me what I can do’, and they both came into the factory, spoke to the whole organisation and gave them a lift. Carlos did the same and Alex did the same this week once they re-signed.

“They wanted to make sure that they were here with the team. They want this to be a part of them, that is here on a turnaround of this organisation, and I’m thankful for that. But it’s also an indication of what we’ve shown them in the back end of what’s happened and what we’re doing about it.”

Why Williams’ driver stability matters

Vowles said keeping Sainz and Albon was “incredibly important” because their decisions send a positive message about Williams’ long-term prospects and provide continuity as the team develops.

“[Reason number] one, it shows the outside world – I can’t tell you everything that’s going on behind the scenes, but I can tell them, and if they are re-signing it will give you an indication that there’s a lot of change ongoing and they believe in what the future looks like.

“And that belief is incredibly important, whether it’s for team members or for anyone in the outside world.

“Number two, that consistency is important because the team is really maturing and changing and, as much as you can keep consistent, especially in a driver line-up, it becomes desperately important in order to keep building on that.

“Probably the best way to summarise it to you is [that in] the factory, there’s a weight lifted off it this week as the result of it and I’ve seen them move forward at a much faster pace as a result, so the belief is real and tangible.”

Why Williams announced the deals separately

Albon’s new contract was announced first, with Sainz’s confirmation following a day later. Vowles said the separate announcements reflected the different circumstances surrounding each driver and also allowed the team to mark the occasions individually.

“For me, and for the drivers, it was important to state that they are different stories and different timings,” the Team Principal said.

“Also, it helped me because Alex was in the simulator on Tuesday and Carlos on Wednesday. I was able to show them to the team and I didn’t have them both on the same day at the same time!

“But for me, they’re different journeys. Alex has been here since 2022. He has dedicated so much of his life to this project and he wants it to be successful, and I think that’s one message in its own right.

“With Carlos, what he needed was to be demonstrated what’s happening behind the scenes and he wanted to then commit into the long term, and it’s a very different set of arrangements that we have between the two of them. I think the messaging is no different though.

“We all have unfinished business. Our goal is to have Alex and Carlos by our side for many years to come. We have to do work on our side in order to make sure we are stepping up, irrespective of our drivers. The drivers are not the limitation to us at the moment. We are.

“We have to fix that, and quickly, for us more than anything else. But the announcements of the drivers will show you that there’s belief in the project for the long term, and that individuals, even the ones that have been here since ‘22, can see the change and want to be a part of it.”

08/31/2026