Sainz to drive Williams F1 car through streets of Madrid

The event, organised by Atlassian Williams Racing in collaboration with IFEMA Madrid, will see Sainz behind the wheel of the FW45 on a specially designed one-kilometre route through Ribera del Sena Street and Avenida del Partenón. It will mark the first time an F1 car runs on part of the Madring layout, which is set to host the Spanish Grand Prix from 2026.

Sainz will be joined by fellow Spanish drivers Pepe Martí and Mari Boya, who race for Campos Racing in Formula 2 and Formula 3, respectively. The three drivers will run demonstration laps in their respective single-seaters, giving fans a free, up-close look at Formula 1 and its feeder series in action.

Carlos Sainz, a four-time Grand Prix winner and ambassador for the Madrid-based Spanish Grand Prix project, said the event represents a personal milestone and a major step for the city: “Madrid is obviously my hometown. I grew up here and started racing go karts in this city.

"To have the chance to drive an F1 car in my own backyard is a dream come true for me and an incredible opportunity for Madrid to show everyone our potential and willingness to become the best circuit and the finest event on the entire F1 calendar.

“This roadshow is just the first step in bringing Formula 1 closer to everyone and showcasing the unique character Madring’s layout will offer,” said Sainz.

The event is being positioned as Madring 's first public ‘tardeo’, a Spanish-style afternoon gathering, complete with food trucks, merchandise, a fan zone and live demonstrations. The demo marks the beginning of an extensive public engagement effort for the new Grand Prix project, which will replace Barcelona as host of the Spanish round of the Formula 1 World Championship.

Luis García Abad, Director of the future Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, emphasised the significance of launching the roadshow with Sainz at the wheel: “This event is a clear sign of the commitment of Madrid with F1 and a unique opportunity for fans to experience its excitement first-hand

"Having Carlos Sainz – one of the most respected and admired drivers in the world – as ambassador for the Spanish Grand Prix is a tremendous honour. We are thrilled to work with the drivers and Atlassian Williams Racing to launch our roadshow and to kick-start the next chapter of the Spanish Grand Prix,” said Abad.

The free event begins at 19:00 on Saturday, 7 June and is expected to draw large crowds as Madrid celebrates its future on the Formula 1 calendar.