A Royal Milestone in the World of Motorsport
The Madring Circuit became the epicenter of global sports on Sunday, September 13, 2026. In an event that seamlessly combined extreme velocity with royal protocol, King Felipe VI made history by becoming the first Spanish Head of State to witness a Formula 1 race live.
The King was accompanied by Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía, who witnessed the cutting-edge technology and raw energy of a street circuit specifically designed within the Ifema exhibition grounds and the Valdebebas neighborhood of Madrid.
Context: F1 Returns to Madrid
For those unfamiliar with Spanish racing history, this event is monumental. Formula 1 returns to Madrid for the first time since 1981, when races were held at the legendary Jarama circuit. Unlike the traditional tracks of the past, the Madring Circuit is a modern urban layout, making it the first F1 Grand Prix developed in a major European capital under a city-circuit format.
Beyond the Grandstand
The Monarch did not simply stay in the VIP boxes. According to reports, King Felipe VI toured the garage area, interacting directly with the teams and analyzing the facilities of this innovative track, showcasing his genuine interest in automotive engineering.
Event Logistics & Key Figures
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Spanish Formula 1 Grand Prix |
| Venue | Madring Circuit (Madrid) |
| Date | September 13, 2026 |
| Royal Presence | King Felipe VI, Princess Leonor, and Infanta Sofía |
Political Support
The event enjoyed total political backing, with the presence of key regional and city leaders, including Isabel Díaz Ayuso (President of the Community of Madrid) and José Luis Martínez-Almeida (Mayor of Madrid).
This royal passion for motorsports was previously hinted at on March 21, when Felipe VI visited the Madrid Jarama-RACE circuit to follow the Formula E e-Prix, the electric counterpart to F1.
Source: IMAGO