The Williams Formula 1 team will bring its fan zone experience to Madrid for the first time during the week of the Spanish Grand Prix, with Carlos Sainz set to headline a series of appearances in his home city.

The Williams F1 Team Fan Zone will run from September 7-13 at Plaza del Callao in central Madrid, offering free public access throughout race week.

Sainz, who joined Williams ahead of the 2025 season, will be joined by team principal James Vowles and reserve driver Luke Browning at the event, with appearance times to be confirmed closer to the race weekend.

Visitors will be able to get up close to a full-scale FW48 show car, while Williams will also launch a Madrid-exclusive merchandise collection alongside its 2026 official team kit.

Among the attractions will be a dedicated gaming area where visitors can drive the new Madrid circuit in simulators before the F1 field takes to the track, while a special-edition Williams x Marvel comic created for Madrid will also be available.

A range of partner activations will be on offer, including Kraken’s reaction-ring challenge and prize competitions, Komatsu’s haul-truck simulator experience, and interactive games from BW Scores. Estrella will also host a sampling bar featuring its locally brewed alcohol-free beer.

Williams will additionally showcase a display celebrating its Spanish racing history. Helmets from its Spanish drivers Sainz and Marc Gené and 2012 Spanish GP winner Pastor Maldonado will be exhibited alongside trophies from some of the team’s other notable victories in Spain, including Alain Prost’s 1993 Barcelona win, Nigel Mansell’s 1987 triumph at Jerez and Jacques Villeneuve’s 1997 victory at Barcelona.

Williams says the initiative is part of its effort to make F1 more accessible beyond the race circuit, noting that only a small proportion of F1 fans are able to attend grands prix in person. The fan zone concept is now entering its fifth season and has attracted close to half a million visitors worldwide.

Madrid becomes the latest city to host the activation as F1 prepares for its first grand prix in the Spanish capital.

The event has been organised with support from Madrid City Council and will be open throughout the week leading into the race.

The Madrid fan zone opening hours are as follows:
Monday 7 September - Friday 11 September: 11:00 - 21:00
Saturday 12 September: 10:00 - 21:00
Sunday 13 September: 10:00 - 16:00