- Carlos Sainz unveiled a special helmet for the 2026 Spanish GP in Madrid.
- The design features the colours of the Spanish flag and pays tribute to the first helmet Sainz used in karting in 2005.
- The Williams driver said he wanted to “go back to his roots” for the first F1 race at the new MADRING circuit.
Carlos Sainz will carry the colours of the Spanish flag on his helmet during the Spanish GP this weekend at the new Madrid street circuit. The Williams driver unveiled a special design on Monday (7) that pays tribute to the first helmet he used in karting in 2005.
With a white background and prominent red and yellow details, the helmet revives the design Sainz used at the beginning of his racing career, while adding a modern interpretation for his home race.
Sainz revives first karting helmet design
Sainz explained that the special design was created as a way of going back to the origins of his career ahead of the first Spanish GP at the new Madrid venue.
The Spaniard, who was born in Madrid, also recalled that his first karting helmet was inspired by a design used by his father, Carlos Sainz Sr., the legendary Spanish rally driver.
“From my first kart race in 2005 to my first F1 race in Madrid. For this helmet, I wanted to go back to my roots, bring back that first design inspired by a helmet from my father and give it my own touch for today. I can’t wait to race with it at home,” Sainz wrote on social media.
The special helmet comes as Sainz prepares for his first F1 race in Madrid, with the new MADRING street circuit hosting the Spanish GP from September 11-13. The event will mark the venue’s debut on the Formula 1 calendar.
Sainz recently secured his future with Williams after signing a multi-year contract extension that will keep him with the team for 2027 and beyond. Sainz signs multi-year Williams extension
The Spaniard has struggled for points during the 2026 campaign, however, and currently has six points in the Drivers’ Championship, placing him 16th overall. Williams sits ninth in the Constructors’ Championship with 11 points.
The helmet will therefore provide an especially personal touch for Sainz as he races in front of his home crowd, while also paying tribute to the beginnings of his career.
Formula 1 returns this weekend, September 11-13, for the Spanish GP at the new Madrid street circuit. GRANDE PRÊMIO will cover all the action from the 14th round of the 2026 season.
FAQ
When is the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix?
The Spanish GP takes place from September 11-13, 2026, at the new MADRING street circuit in Madrid.
Why is Carlos Sainz using a special helmet in Madrid?
Sainz designed the helmet as a tribute to his karting beginnings. It is based on the first helmet he used in 2005 and was inspired by a design belonging to his father, Carlos Sainz Sr.
How many points does Carlos Sainz have in the 2026 F1 championship?
Sainz has six points and sits 16th in the 2026 Drivers’ Championship, while Williams is ninth in the Constructors’ standings with 11 points.
