Carlos Sainz is back in the spotlight, not for his on-track exploits but for his role as ambassador of the Madring, Madrid's new circuit that hosted its debut Spanish Grand Prix last weekend. The former Ferrari driver faced sharp criticism from various quarters, including 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg, who said that as an ambassador, Sainz deserved scrutiny for the boring race.
The criticism arose after the race at the Madring was deemed unexciting, similar to Baku's debut in 2016 which was also known for its lack of action. However, there is a key difference: the Baku circuit at least offered spectacular views through the old city, while the Madring, located on Madrid's exhibition grounds, was criticized for its lack of character. “Am I in Australia now, am I in Valencia, am I here in Madrid, where am I? Or in Jeddah? These street circuits always look the same,” said Alexander Wurz, chairman of the GPDA, in his comments for ORF.
For Carlos Sainz, this criticism is a heavy blow in a season full of pressure. After moving to Williams in 2025, he hoped to return to fighting at the front. However, so far, the team's performance is far from expectations. The points he has scored this season are not enough to lift his position in the standings, and the pressure is mounting amid speculation about his future.
Behind the scenes, Sainz is said to be frustrated with the slow development of the Williams car. Although the team has introduced several technical updates, the results have not been significant. “We knew this would be a long-term project, but of course I want to be back at the front soon,” Sainz said in a separate interview. “I still believe in this project, but we need to speed everything up.”
The Madring itself was designed to provide a different racing experience, with a challenging street circuit layout. However, criticism about the lack of character and on-track action is a big homework for the organizers. If not addressed immediately, it's not impossible that the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid will lose its appeal in the eyes of fans.
On the other hand, Sainz remains focused on racing. He realizes that his role as ambassador comes with responsibilities, but he also emphasizes that criticism of the circuit should not distract from the team's efforts to perform better. “I accept the criticism, but I also want to see the positive side. Madrid is an amazing city, and I believe we can make the race here more exciting,” he added.
With Williams still struggling in the midfield, Sainz's F1 future is also being questioned. Will he stay or look for another opportunity? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Sainz will not give up easily. As he said, “I slept the worst last night, but tomorrow I will wake up and fight again.”
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