Lorraine Williamson
Madrid spent years preparing for this moment. On Sunday, the engines finally started for the first Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix at Madring, the new semi-urban circuit built around IFEMA and Valdebebas.
Italian Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli won the inaugural race, finishing ahead of Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. For Spain’s two home drivers, the afternoon was considerably tougher: Fernando Alonso finished 17th, while Carlos Sainz was forced to retire.
Formula 1 returns to Madrid after 45 years
Sunday’s race marked the return of Formula 1 to the Spanish capital for the first time since 1981, when the Jarama circuit last hosted the championship.
This time the setting is very different. Madring is a 5.4km, 22-corner semi-urban circuit running through the IFEMA and Valdebebas area, including the banked corner known as La Monumental. The Madrid Grand Prix is expected to become one of the major annual international sporting events held in the capital.
A huge weekend for Madrid
The significance of the Grand Prix goes well beyond motorsport.
Madrid City Council had forecast around 345,000 spectators across the weekend, with an estimated annual economic impact of approximately €450 million and around 8,000 direct jobs associated with the event.
Getting such a large number of people into and out of the area also became part of the story. Authorities introduced an extensive transport operation, with Metro, Cercanías and bus services reinforced and private vehicle access heavily discouraged.
The DGT classified the Grand Prix as an event with a high impact on traffic, warning motorists to avoid roads close to Madring and recommending public transport. Traffic officers and aerial surveillance were deployed throughout the weekend, particularly around the M-40, A-1, A-2, M-11 and M-14.
A difficult home race for Alonso and Sainz
Spanish supporters hoping for a home success had little to celebrate on the track.
Fernando Alonso started well down the grid and eventually finished 17th, while Madrid-born Carlos Sainz was unable to complete the race.
At the front, however, Antonelli strengthened his position at the top of the Formula 1 championship. The young Italian arrived in Madrid as championship leader after seven victories during the season and left with another win added to his tally.
A new chapter for Formula 1 in Spain
Whatever individual fans thought of the result, Sunday represented a significant moment for Madrid.
Hosting Formula 1 puts the capital on a global sporting calendar followed by millions of people around the world, while bringing large numbers of international visitors into the city for an entire race weekend.
The first race has now provided the real-world test for years of planning, construction and debate surrounding Madring. Attention will inevitably turn to how successfully Madrid managed the crowds, transport and impact on surrounding neighbourhoods — and what can be improved before Formula 1 returns.
For now, though, Madrid has its first Madring winner. And his name is Kimi Antonelli.