The Formula E visit to Madrid for its second E-Prix on Spanish soil was already anticipated to be historic before it began, but it turned out to be even more remarkable than expected.
This isn’t just about a world championship single-seater series returning to Jarama 45 years after Formula 1 last raced there, putting the circuit back on the global motorsport map. It’s also about several record-breaking milestones in the all-electric championship that the Madrid event delivered.
Two stand out. First, the circuit itself: at 3.934 km with a temporary chicane added at the start of the main straight to aid energy regeneration, it is the longest track in FE history (by about 400 meters more than any other). Second, the media coverage, the highest ever seen in the electric series, with over 600 accredited journalists covering Pepe Martí’s first-ever Cupra lead and Da Costa’s victory. These moments thrilled more than 20,000 fans who filled Jarama with life, reminiscent of its best days.
Beyond the drivers, the standout figure was King Felipe VI. The King showed his support for Spanish sport on a key day, wishing Martí luck, presenting the winner’s trophy to Da Costa, and enjoying the race alongside his entourage, which included Isabel Díaz Ayuso (Madrid region president), Milagros Tolón (Minister of Sport), Carmelo Sanz de Barros (FIA), Manuel Aviño (RFDeA), and the two main architects of the event, Alejandro Agag and Alberto Longo, founders of FE.
King Felipe VI with his entourage at Jarama.
JAVIER GANDUL
In addition to these dignitaries, the electric paddock was filled with famous faces from motorsport (Carlos Sainz, Juan Pablo Montoya, Rubens Barrichello), sports (Saul Craviotto), with a notable Real Madrid presence (Courtois, Ceballos, Asensio, Roberto Carlos), and from entertainment, including actors, singers, and influencers (Miguel Ángel Silvestre, David Bisbal, Abraham Mateo, Úrsula Corberó, Idris Elba, The Grefg…). DJ Nano and Omar Montes kept the crowd entertained between sessions.
“We have lived a historic day at the Circuito de Madrid Jarama-RACE, with full stands reflecting the enormous interest that Formula E has generated among fans. It shows that Jarama is ready to host top-level international competitions and that Madrid is consolidating itself as a great stage for motorsport and mobility, with public response exceeding all expectations,” summarized Sanz de Barros, president of RACE and the FIA Senate.
Courtois visiting the Formula E Madrid event.
JAVIER GANDUL
Outstanding Audiences in Spain
To top off the positive balance of the Cupra Raval Madrid E-Prix, which concluded on Sunday with the rookie test (dominated by Théophile Naël in the Mahindra), it was the most watched FE race in Spain this season and one of the most viewed in history, according to data from @MedF1osTV, a social media account specializing in audience figures. Its free-to-air broadcast on three channels (Teledeporte, DMAX, and La Otra), in addition to Eurosport, drew a total of 158,000 viewers and a 1.8% share.
Formula E | Madrid: Martí indulges in front of his home fans