In a surprising move ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season, Carlos Sainz has been appointed as the ambassador for the newly introduced Madrid Grand Prix. This honor, connected to the race debuting in Madrid and replacing the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya as Spain’s F1 venue, highlights Sainz’s ties to his hometown. Despite Fernando Alonso’s prominence in Formula 1 with two world championships and over two decades of experience, he was notably left out of this ambassadorial role.
Madrid Grand Prix to Replace Barcelona on the F1 Calendar
The Madrid Grand Prix will take over as Spain’s annual F1 race starting next year, operating under a contract that spans through 2035. This change ends Barcelona’s reign as the host of the Spanish Grand Prix, though the future of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya remains uncertain. Sainz shared his enthusiasm about the opportunity, saying,
“I’m very excited about Madrid’s arrival on the calendar. They chose me as an ambassador for the Grand Prix and it’s an honor for me because it’s my city, the place where I was born and raised.”
—Carlos Sainz, Racing Driver
Fernando Alonso’s Response to Being Overlooked
Following the announcement, Fernando Alonso responded by accepting an ambassadorial position linked to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, the longtime home of the Spanish Grand Prix, ahead of the race weekend. Although this gesture reflects Alonso’s ongoing connection to the sport and the circuit, it also highlights the tension caused by his omission from Madrid’s new role. At 43, Alonso’s place in the evolving Spanish F1 landscape appears to be in flux as Madrid rises in prominence.
F1 Leadership Comments on Barcelona’s Future in the Sport
Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula 1, addressed questions about whether the Barcelona circuit might continue to host F1 races despite Madrid’s official debut. He explained,
“The fact we are in Madrid is not excluding the fact we could stay in Barcelona for the future,”
—Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1 CEO
Ongoing discussions are taking place to explore extending Barcelona’s involvement with Formula 1 beyond the current contract, reflecting a continued positive relationship between the sport and the city.
Changing Dynamics in Spanish Formula 1 and What Lies Ahead
The appointment of Carlos Sainz as the ambassador for the Madrid Grand Prix marks a significant shift in Spain’s Formula 1 scene, intertwining local pride with the global stage. While Sainz’s hometown connection resonates well with the new race, Fernando Alonso’s sidelining signals a generational and strategic change within Spanish motorsport. Fans and industry watchers remain eager to see how these developments will affect the future of the Spanish Grand Prix and the careers of these two rivals.
