F1 fans split over Carlos Sainz's first laps at Madrid's new circuit

Formula 1 fans have shared their verdict after Carlos Sainz completed his first laps of the Madring circuit ahead of its maiden grand prix in September.

The Williams driver has given fans their first real glimpse of the all-new circuit, driving a 450bhp Ford Mustang GT. While the Spaniard claimed that the 5.4km, 22-turn circuit is faster than it looks, the reaction from fans has been mixed.

"The big banked bit looks cool, in complete contrast to how utterly garbage the rest of it looks," one fan commented on Reddit, while another added: "Probably one of the ugliest layouts I've ever seen."

Other comments were more optimistic about the inaugural race in September. "I'm actually pretty excited about this. I think the contrast of street spaces and dedicated track will be interesting. And the new track looks really wide," someone else wrote, and another commented: "The track is cool, people just like hating on everything now."

Other reactions included: "The first half looks kinda good, but the 2nd is just meh," and "I don't know how to describe it but if you rotate the track layout 90 degrees anti-clockwise it looks much better."

Sainz was announced as a brand ambassador for the Madring circuit in 2025. "Madrid is the best city in the world and the place I miss the most when I’m away," the 31-year-old driver said at the time of the announcement.

"It was an easy decision to become Madring’s ambassador because I truly believe we can build the best circuit in the world. I have complete faith in Madrid — it’s unbeatable. And we’re going for it."

The 2026 Spanish Grand Prix at the Madring circuit will take place from 11-13 September as the second stage of a double-header with the Italian Grand Prix.