Daily News 19

Tag: Madrid

  • ‘He’s brought Formula 1 back home’ – Carlos Sainz becomes heart of Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid

    ‘He’s brought Formula 1 back home’ – Carlos Sainz becomes heart of Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid

    Formula 1 Returns to Madrid After Four Decades

    Formula 1 returns to Madrid for the first time in over four decades, with the Madring circuit hosting the Spanish Grand Prix. The weekend carries particular weight for Carlos Sainz, the Williams driver who calls the Spanish capital home and serves as an ambassador for the event. For the legions of fans who have followed his career, this is more than a race; it is a homecoming.

    Madrid is a vibrant capital renowned for its music, food, and art, yet for years it lacked the roar of a Formula 1 weekend. That void ends now. Sainz, born and raised in the city, grew up dreaming of exactly this scenario—a home race in the place where he first climbed into a kart at 10 years old.

    “When I think about Madrid, I think about my first karting races,” Sainz says. “That’s where it all started, where I started dreaming about being an F1 driver.
    “Now I get to race in my home town and be the ambassador of the Grand Prix – it’s a privilege, and it’s also a chance to open the door for people from all over the world to discover Madrid at the same time.”

    One of Our Own

    Sainz describes his central role this weekend as an honour, but for Madrid-born supporters, the connection stretches back to his arrival on the world stage. The sense of pride is rooted in the moment he announced himself as a rookie.

    “My first real memory of Carlos is his Formula 1 debut, back in 2015 at the Australian Grand Prix”, says Bea Quevedo. “He qualified eighth and finished ninth, in the points, on his very first outing, an incredible result for a rookie that nobody expected.
    “I remember how thrilling it was to have another Spanish driver on the grid, and not just any driver: someone with that level of raw talent. For those of us in Madrid, it wasn’t just ‘a Spaniard in F1’; it was one of our own, a kid from our city, mixing it with the best in the world.”

    Now, after 11 seasons at the pinnacle of motorsport, four victories, and 29 podium finishes, that feeling of ownership has not faded. If anything, it has deepened now that the sport has finally arrived on his doorstep.

    Madrid’s Own Countdown

    Long before lights out, Madrid demonstrated it was more than ready for the spectacle, embracing the Grand Prix atmosphere days before a single lap was turned. From the start of the week, fans tracked Sainz’s packed schedule, eager to share in the emotion. That passion was vividly illustrated on Tuesday when Plaza del Callao filled up hours before his arrival.

    For his dedicated fan community, Team Fifty5, the bond runs deeper than a single race weekend.

    “This week, from the moment I landed, the city was already buzzing,” Sainz says. “I went to Callao and there were people there since early morning – different stories, different ages, all gathering together. It was incredible.
    “Team Fifty5 has been with me through the good weekends and the bad ones, and seeing that kind of dedication and support in my own city gave me a boost I don’t take for granted.”

    For Quevedo, Sainz is not merely a competitor here; he is the reason the excitement feels so personal to the people of Madrid. That connection between the city and its driver gives the week its soul.

    Itziar Blazquez echoes that sentiment. “Sharing a passion with different people around the world is cool, but sharing the exact same love for the same driver creates a real bond,” she says.
    Additionally, being part of the Fifty5 community, “feels like getting a step closer to a big global family that backs him no matter what.”

    A Home Race, Literally

    For most drivers, a “home race” implies a supportive grandstand and a familiar setting—Monaco, for instance, is special because many reside there minutes from the track. For Sainz, Madrid means something far more literal.

    “Madrid is my home and I’ve always been very proud of the city and my country,” he says. “I get to spend the weekend with my family and sleep at my parents’ house to then go racing – that doesn’t happen anywhere else on the calendar.
    “And then on top of that, I get to do it in front of a Spanish crowd, in the city that watched me grow up. It’s going to be a very special weekend.”

    Carlos Sainz’s Legacy in Madrid

    Regardless of the result on Sunday, fans in Madrid have already settled on what this weekend—and the journey leading to it—signifies. Having lived her entire life in the capital, Blazquez can attest to what Sainz represents for the city.

    “He’s the heart of motorsport in the capital of Spain, he’s become a role model,” she says. To her, Sainz is someone who “represents Madrid spirit at its best: his relentless hard work, resilience, and class.”
    Her message to him is simple: “You carried Madrid to the top step of the podium, to the world stage, and now you’ve brought Formula 1 back home. So, thanks.”

  • Cadillac Fined Twice After Sergio Perez FP1 Infringements in Madrid

    Cadillac Fined Twice After Sergio Perez FP1 Infringements in Madrid

    The Cadillac Formula 1 team has received two fines after Sergio Perez was caught speeding in the pit lane during the first free practice session (FP1) at the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid.

    Perez Breaches Pit Lane Speed Limit Twice

    The Mexican driver exceeded the mandatory 80 km/h pit lane speed limit on two separate occasions during the opening session of the weekend. FIA stewards penalized the American outfit for breaching Article B1.6.3a.i of the FIA F1 regulations.

    • First offence: A fine of €700 after Perez was clocked at 86.7 km/h, exceeding the limit by 6.7 km/h.
    • Second offence: A heavier penalty of €1,000 after Perez was recorded travelling at 96.7 km/h, exceeding the limit by 16.7 km/h.

    Difficult Debut Season Continues for Cadillac

    The infractions come amid a challenging inaugural campaign for the Cadillac squad. As the team works to adapt to the championship, it has grappled with significant reliability issues. In the drivers’ standings, Perez currently sits 23rd while his team-mate Valtteri Bottas occupies 22nd place; both drivers have yet to score a point.

    Madrid Debut: The Madring Circuit

    The first practice session in Madrid also marked the first time Formula 1 drivers tackled the Madring circuit. Built around the IFEMA Madrid exhibition centre and the nearby Valdebebas district, the venue operates a semi-street circuit layout. The track features a mix of tight zones and high-speed straights, highlighted by a banked, sweeping curve named “La Monumental”.

    Perez: “A Proper Race Track”

    Speaking to the media ahead of the race weekend, Perez offered his initial impressions based on simulator work:

    “The track itself is a proper race track, from what I’ve seen,” Perez told the media ahead of the race weekend. “I haven’t been on the circuit yet, but from what I’ve seen on the simulator, it’s a proper track.
    “It’s a bit scary, I’ll say. It reminds me a bit of Jeddah. Good, proper track, really happy to be here, and I think the atmosphere here is going to be one of the best.”

    FP1 Results

    The 36-year-old concluded the session with the 21st fastest time, finishing only ahead of team-mate Bottas.

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

    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.

  • “We can have a bit of chaos” – Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson Assess Red Bull’s 2026 Spanish Grand Prix Chances

    “We can have a bit of chaos” – Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson Assess Red Bull’s 2026 Spanish Grand Prix Chances

    Verstappen and Lawson Assess Red Bull Prospects at Inaugural Madrid Grand Prix

    Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson have offered their assessments of Red Bull’s chances at this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix, where Madrid will host its first-ever Formula 1 race on a high-speed street circuit. The novel layout presents teams and drivers with an unfamiliar challenge that could shuffle the competitive order and create an opportunity for an unexpected result.

    Verstappen Sees Opportunity in Circuit Unknowns

    Red Bull and Verstappen have yet to secure a victory this season. The Dutch driver suggested that the inherent perils of a street circuit, combined with the unknowns of a new venue, could potentially offer his best chance yet to return to the top step of the podium.

    “I think the practice sessions are crucial, and hopefully we just get a good feeling with the car. I think if you have a good feeling with the car, you’re actually a bit more competitive, and hopefully that will put us into a place where we can fight again around a podium,” he said.

    “I always try my best to try and win a race, at least this year, but for sure it’s not going to be easy to win a race. But we’ll see. Maybe, first race here, we can have a bit of chaos. You need to luck in maybe a little bit, but we keep trying.

    “It probably is a car killer [circuit] from what I’ve seen so far. You just need to try and stay out of the wall, try and get the best possible feeling in the car. When you are confident in the car on a street circuit, it helps a lot.

    “It’s difficult to say at the moment how everything is going to go. And, I mean, driver track or not, you still need a good car. That’s the most important thing.”

    Lawson Building Comfort in Red Bull Machinery

    Meanwhile, Lawson will continue to stand in for the injured Isack Hadjar, having already raced for Red Bull at Zandvoort and Monza. The New Zealander narrowly missed out on points in Italy last weekend but believes he is adapting further to the team’s current challenger, a process that will be even more critical at a brand-new venue.

    “This track is quite different to what we’ve been racing on. It’s obviously new for all of us so it’s going to take some time to learn,” he said.

    “For us as drivers, the teams as well with the car, I’m sure it’s going to be challenging but the more time I spend in the car the more I’m going to naturally get a bit more comfortable.

    Lawson added:

    “It’s not my car and obviously in your own car you have many things that are very suited for you, and that’s not something I can do in a couple of races with this car. More time I spend in it, more comfortable I get.”

  • Madring Circuit Guide: Everything You Need to Know

    Madring Circuit Guide: Everything You Need to Know

    Madrid’s Grand Prix History: From Jarama to the Madring Debut

    The 2026 Formula 1 season arrives at the Spanish Grand Prix this weekend, marking the highly anticipated debut of the Madring circuit. While this is the first time F1 has raced at the new Madrid venue, the Spanish capital boasts a rich history with the sport, having hosted the Spanish Grand Prix for the first time in 1968 at the Jarama circuit.

    Located approximately 30 kilometers north of the city center — significantly further out than the new Madring location — Jarama was introduced to the calendar in a shared rotation with Barcelona’s Montjuic Circuit. This arrangement was part of a concerted national effort to establish Spain as a fixture on the international motorsport stage.

    A tragic accident at Montjuic led to Madrid becoming the permanent host of the Spanish Grand Prix between 1976 and 1979, and once again in 1981. Those races produced victories for legends such as James Hunt and Mario Andretti. However, the event disappeared from the calendar for several years due to waning interest and challenging weather conditions. By the time the Spanish Grand Prix returned, Jerez and Barcelona had been selected as the preferred venues.

    Madring Circuit Layout: What Drivers Can Expect

    The short answer regarding the driving experience is that none of the competitors will know for certain until Free Practice 1 begins on Friday, September 11. However, the circuit layout and a useful test completed by Formula 3 provide valuable early indications.

    The lap begins with a short run of roughly 200 meters down to Turn 1, before a right-hander launches drivers toward the third corner and onto the longest straight on the circuit. Speeds climb rapidly until a heavy braking zone arrives, accompanied by an elevation change and a blind apex at Turn 8.

    The street section concludes at this point, transitioning to the permanent track facility. A chicane sets up La Monumental — an ambitious and exhilarating banked curve featuring a 24% gradient. Thousands of spectators will line this section, where multiple racing lines are designed to encourage a variety of overtaking maneuvers.

    Another flat-out sequence of corners follows, but precision becomes paramount as the walls close in. The track then enters a twisty, technical complex culminating in a tight final corner that leads back onto the start/finish straight.

    Straight Mode Zones at the Madring

    As a reminder from the pre-season regulation summary, Straight Mode is a distinct aerodynamic configuration that allows cars to reduce drag, improving efficiency during high-speed acceleration.

    The rear wing opens a gap — similar to the former Drag Reduction System (DRS) — but now the front wing moves in synchronization. The uppermost front wing elements drop down simultaneously with the rear wing’s top element. This mode is deployed on every lap in dry conditions within designated areas, allowing the car to switch between two configurations: maximum downforce in corners and minimal drag on straights.

    At the Madring, there are two designated Straight Mode zones:

    • A run along the start/finish straight.
    • The section between Turns 3 and 4.

    Overtake Mode Detection and Activation Points

    Overtake Mode replaces DRS as a new power deployment strategy. It enables a driver to recover more electrical energy and access an additional electrical power profile, sustaining higher speeds for a longer duration.

    There is a single detection point per lap for this mode — typically positioned after the final corner leading onto a long straight. It becomes available on the following lap provided the driver remains within one second of the car ahead at that detection point.

    For the Madring, the Overtake Detection marker is situated just before the entry to Turn 22. The Overtake Activation line follows on the exit of that corner, heading onto the start/finish straight.

  • Why Ferrari won’t have to worry about another manhole cover incident at the Madring

    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.

    Madring circuit design showing no manhole covers on track surface
    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.

  • Liam Lawson to Remain at Red Bull for Third Race Weekend in Madrid as Isack Hadjar’s Recovery Continues

    Liam Lawson to Remain at Red Bull for Third Race Weekend in Madrid as Isack Hadjar’s Recovery Continues

    Red Bull Racing has confirmed Liam Lawson will retain his seat alongside Max Verstappen for the Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madring circuit in Madrid this weekend. The decision comes as Isack Hadjar continues his recovery from a wrist injury sustained during training over the summer break.

    Lawson Extends Stint with Senior Team

    Lawson initially replaced Hadjar at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort and kept the drive for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. During this period, Yuki Tsunoda moved back to Racing Bulls to fill Lawson’s former seat alongside Arvid Lindblad.

    In a statement released Monday, Red Bull outlined the reasoning behind the extended arrangement:

    “After racing for the team in Zandvoort and Monza, Liam will continue to drive alongside Max at this week’s Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid,”

    read a statement from Red Bull.

    “The decision has been taken as Isack’s recovery continues to progress positively. While he is not yet ready to return to the cockpit, he will be in Madrid supporting the team.

    Everyone at Oracle Red Bull Racing looks forward to welcoming Isack back behind the wheel very soon.”

    Recent Form and Team Dynamics

    Lawson has delivered mixed results in his two starts for the senior squad, finishing seventh at Zandvoort and 14th at Monza. Meanwhile, Tsunoda has shown consistent pace since returning to Racing Bulls, scoring 11th and 10th-place finishes respectively.

    Hadjar will travel to Madrid to support the team trackside despite remaining sidelined. No definitive timeline has been provided for his return, though the team’s statement suggests his comeback is approaching.

    The Spanish Grand Prix marks Formula 1’s inaugural visit to the Madring layout, adding an extra layer of complexity for Lawson as he navigates an unfamiliar circuit in the Red Bull RB21.

  • Ester Expósito and Kylian Mbappé Surprise Fans With Romantic Evening in Madrid

    Ester Expósito and Kylian Mbappé Surprise Fans With Romantic Evening in Madrid

    Madrid nightlife has once again drawn attention after actress Ester Expósito and Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé were seen walking hand in hand and dining together in the Spanish capital.

    Ester Expósito and Kylian Mbappé walk hand in hand in Madrid

    The evening began with a stroll through Madrid before the pair headed to a well-known restaurant for dinner. Their relaxed manner and apparent closeness quickly attracted attention, particularly because their public appearances have previously been marked by discretion.

    Expósito and Mbappé entered the restaurant together several hours after beginning their walk. They later left in the same way, walking hand in hand and appearing comfortable in each other’s company.

    The latest images have fuelled speculation about a relationship that neither of them has publicly confirmed. Rather than featuring grand gestures or carefully staged appearances, the outing drew interest because of its everyday atmosphere and the natural way the two appeared together.

    Mbappé and Ester Expósito fuel relationship speculation

    Ester Expósito rose to fame through her work in television and film, while her personal life has attracted almost as much public interest as her career. Mbappé’s presence alongside the actress has added further attention to the developing story.

    For now, neither Expósito nor Mbappé has put an official label on their relationship. Although their appearances together suggest growing closeness, confirmation still rests with the two of them.

    Mbappé comments on Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodríguez’s wedding

    Mbappé, a well-known admirer of Cristiano Ronaldo, also recently reacted to the Portuguese football star’s wedding to Georgina Rodríguez.

    When asked about the wedding, the Real Madrid forward said: “The best for them,”

    The interviewer then shifted the conversation towards Mbappé’s own personal life and asked: “Will you be next?”

    Mbappé remained silent for several seconds and chose not to provide further details. Without commenting on the possibility, he continued towards his SUV, leaving the question unanswered.

    Meanwhile, interest in Ester Expósito and Kylian Mbappé continues to grow. Their hand-in-hand walks, shared dinners and apparent mutual understanding have intensified speculation about what could become a new chapter for the actress and the footballer.

    Source: www.marca.com

  • Shakira Arrives in Madrid for Historic Residency

    Shakira Arrives in Madrid for Historic Residency

    Colombian superstar Shakira touched down at Madrid’s Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport on Monday, greeting fans and journalists who had gathered to welcome her. The singer is set to launch a 12-show residency in the Spanish capital on September 18 as part of her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour.

    Immersive Venue Built for the Tour

    The concerts will take place at a purpose-built venue within Iberdrola Music, designed to deliver an immersive experience for concertgoers. The custom venue underscores the production scale of the tour, which has already drawn massive global demand.

    Madrid Residency Marks Major European Stop

    The Madrid residency represents one of the most significant European legs of the world tour, with a dozen consecutive nights scheduled. Shakira’s arrival signals the final countdown to the opening show, as the city prepares for an extended run of performances from the global icon.