Madrid Turns Into a Star-Studded Red Carpet for Formula 1

MADRID — September 13, 2026

Formula 1 returned to Madrid in spectacular fashion this weekend, but the racing was not the only attraction. The new Madring circuit became a glamorous meeting point for royalty, football legends, Hollywood stars, musicians and some of Spain’s biggest celebrities.

Leading the star-studded guest list was King Felipe VI, who attended Sunday’s race with his daughters, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía. The royal family was seen in the paddock meeting Formula 1 drivers, including Mercedes star George Russell. The King later presented Kimi Antonelli with the winner’s trophy after the Italian driver claimed victory in Madrid.

One of the most recognizable sporting guests was tennis legend Rafael Nadal. The 20-time Grand Slam champion, a well-known motorsport enthusiast, was among the celebrities enjoying the historic return of Formula 1 to Madrid. Nadal praised the event as an important opportunity to put Spain further in the international spotlight.

The football world was particularly well represented. Real Madrid stars and legends, including Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, Thibaut Courtois, Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo and Roberto Carlos, were spotted around the circuit. Former Real Madrid star David Beckham also attended during the weekend, while Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone presented Lando Norris with his pole-position trophy on Saturday.

Hollywood also had a presence. Patrick Dempsey, famous for Grey’s Anatomy and his passion for motorsport, was among the international celebrities who made an appearance at the event. Singer Luis Fonsi, another familiar face at Formula 1 races, was also spotted in Madrid.

Spanish entertainment stars added even more glamour to the weekend. Singers Ana Mena, Lola Índigo and Omar Montes, as well as actors Blanca Suárez, Miguel Ángel Silvestre, Jaime Lorente and Maxi Iglesias, were among the famous faces seen at the circuit.

The enormous celebrity presence reflected Madrid’s ambition to turn its new Formula 1 race into more than just a sporting event. Around 350,000 people attended across the weekend, transforming the inaugural Madring Grand Prix into one of the city’s biggest international events of the year.

With royalty watching from the paddock, football icons posing for photographs and Hollywood stars mixing with drivers and fans, Madrid’s first Formula 1 weekend proved to be as much about glamour and celebrity culture as it was about racing.