Madrid became the world capital of motorsport this weekend with the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix. Following King Felipe's return from Oslo, where he journeyed last week for King Harald's state funeral, the members of Spain's royal family travelled to one of the most anticipated sporting events of the season.
The King visited the new racetrack accompanied by his daughters, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía, sharing his well-known passion for motorsports. While Queen Letizia was notably absent, the outing reinforces the close bond between King Felipe and his daughters as they prepare to start a new school year.
For this special occasion, the royals once again demonstrated their relaxed yet sophisticated style by posing alongside two of Spain's greatest motorsport icons: Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz. For her paddock debut, Princess Leonor stood out with a fresh and youthful look, wearing a delicate sleeveless top in a dusty rose shade with a fitted smocked waist, paired with flowing, high-waisted white wide-leg trousers and a matching handbag.
© Getty ImagesInfanta Sofía opted for the elegance of an all-white look with a flattering long-sleeved blouse with a V-neck and wide-leg trousers, breaking up the monochrome with a thin brown leather belt that matched her clutch. In perfect harmony with his daughters, King Felipe exuded his usual relaxed elegance with a beige jacket over a light blue shirt and navy trousers, completing an impeccable family portrait for a day of high-level competition.
"King Felipe, accompanied by the Princess of Asturias and Infanta Sofía, will attend the TAG Heuer Formula 1 race on Sunday, September 13th ... at the new circuit," a statement confirmed. The Royal Household added: "His Majesty the King, accompanied by Their Royal Highnesses the Princess of Asturias and Infanta Sofía, will attend the Spanish Grand Prix."
© NurPhoto via Getty ImagesThis sporting event represents one of the last family photos before the young royals resume their respective academic routines. Leonor, after beginning her degree in Political Science at the Carlos III University of Madrid, and Sofía, before heading to France to begin her second year of university, now at the Paris campus of Forward College.
© GettyHistoric moment
The presence of the royal family at the newly inaugurated Madring semi-urban circuit underscores the significance of an event that brings Formula 1 back to Madrid 45 years later, since Gilles Villeneuve's victory at the Jarama circuit in 1981. With its 5.4-kilometre track and the now-famous 'La Monumental' corner, the event is generating enormous excitement.
Fans are experiencing this weekend with tremendous fervour, supporting both Fernando Alonso and Madrid native Carlos Sainz, who, after a difficult qualifying session, openly admitted his disappointment: "It was a very bad qualifying session."
© GettyA royal passion for sport
Sporting events have become a constant fixture in the public life of Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía. Their presence in the pits of the Madrid circuit reflects the genuine passion for sport they have shown from a very young age. Both demonstrated their enthusiasm during the Spanish National Team's victory in the 2010 World Cup final and the subsequent celebration with the team.
Their enthusiasm for Spanish teams dates back to 2010, when at just four and three years old, they celebrated the victory in the South Africa World Cup at Zarzuela Palace, trying to lift the trophy alongside Iker Casillas – an iconic image they would repeat at the 2012 European Championship.
Over the years, this commitment has grown: in 2022, they made their first official trip abroad without their parents to support the team at the Women's European Championship in Brentford, and in 2023, Infanta Sofía cemented her status as the national team's lucky charm by celebrating the Women's World Cup victory on the pitch in Sydney.
© Getty ImagesThat passionate spirit was once again evident at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where they warmly supported figures such as Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz. Their level of involvement is such that, during the 2026 Princess of Girona Awards ceremony, the organisers themselves moved the event forward so that the entire royal family could watch the Spanish national team's crucial match before the World Cup final.
From the stands of major stadiums to the Formula 1 paddock, the King and Queen's daughters have demonstrated their passion for elite sports, sharing with King Felipe, who attended the Formula E race at Jarama in March, a genuine enthusiasm that shines once again today at the Madring circuit.
