Formula E in Madrid: Spain's King Felipe VI graces royal premiere

Royal visit at the first Formula E race in Madrid: Spain’s King Felipe VI attended the debut run of the electric racing series at the Circuito del Jarama-Madrid. The FIA, the governing body of world motorsport, celebrated the occasion as a strong signal of the growing prominence of the series in its 12th year.

The Formula E debut in Madrid was marked by a touch of royal splendor as Spain's King Felipe VI attended the first World Championship race of the electric series in the capital. The monarch was present at the Madrid E-Prix on Saturday and presented the winner, Antonio Felix da Costa, with his trophy and the FIA President's Medal at the podium ceremony The Madrid E-Prix at the Circuito de Madrid-Jarama thus garnered significant public attention beyond the realm of sport.

For Formula E, the presence of the monarch was a symbolic milestone. Madrid hosted a race in the electric series for the first time, following preseason tests held there in 2024. According to the FIA, around 30,000 spectators attended the event over the weekend.

FIA president Ben Sulayem: "This highlights the importance that Formula E now holds"

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem expressed his enthusiasm about the royal visit: "It is a great honor to welcome His Majesty King Felipe VI to our inaugural race in Madrid. This highlights the importance that Formula E now holds even on a societal level."

Carmelo Sanz de Barros, President of the Spanish Automobile Club RACE and FIA Senate President, also emphasized the importance of the occasion: "This race is a historic moment for Madrid and Spanish motorsport. We are proud to welcome Formula E here and to set an example for sustainable mobility."

The royal visit further highlights the social and political relevance of Formula E in Spain. For the series, which positions itself as a pioneer of sustainable mobility, the presence of the monarch is a powerful endorsement. The Madrid debut demonstrates that Formula E has not only secured a place on the racing calendar but also in the public consciousness of Spain.

In summary, Formula E in Madrid achieved exactly what it hoped for from a debut: full stands, sporting success, and a prominent stage that attracted attention well beyond motorsport. This was an important step for the electric racing series in a key market.