Sainz, Alonso and Norris unveil special helmets for inaugural Madrid Spanish Grand Prix

Carlos Sainz, Fernando Alonso and Lando Norris have each revealed one-off helmet designs ahead of Formula 1’s inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at Madrid’s Madring circuit, set around the IFEMA exhibition centre.

For Madrid-born Sainz, the occasion was a chance to revisit his roots. His helmet carries a white base with red and yellow details representing the Spanish flag — a direct callback to the design he raced under in his first karting event in 2005, itself inspired by the helmet of his father, rallying legend Carlos Sainz Sr.

“From my first karting race in 2005 to my first F1 race in Madrid,” Sainz wrote. “For this helmet, I wanted to go back to where it all started, bring back that first design inspired by my dad’s and give it my own touch today. Can’t wait to race with it at home!”

Aston Martin’s Alonso has taken a sharply different direction, collaborating with team partner BOSS on a design captioned “Tailored for speed”. Departing from his usually colourful lids, the two-time champion’s helmet is all-black with white accents — a look he debuted arriving at the Madrid paddock in a matching BOSS Performance Suit.

Norris, the reigning 2025 champion, commissioned Madrid-based artist, illustrator and muralist Be Fernandez to create a vibrant pop-art design for his McLaren.

“For my first race in Madrid I wanted to do something that felt properly connected to the city,” Norris said. “Be knows Madrid and its culture far better than I ever could, so I basically gave her the helmet and told her to do her thing. I love what she’s come up with — it brings together Madrid, her style and a bit of me as well. It’s fun, different and just a really cool design.”

Sainz also serves as an ambassador for the Madring circuit, adding an extra layer of significance to his home debut at the new venue.