What’s it like being a Formula 1 fan at a brand-new race? Madrid offers raw first-time experience

Fans pack the grandstands at the iconic turn 12 'La Monumental' at the Madring F1 circuit - (Hoch Zwei Photography / Allwyn)

It was a moment a decade in the making, ever since talks first started around the ambitious plans to build a Formula 1 street circuit in one of Europe’s busiest cities. For all the practice sessions in the lead-up and a captivating hour of qualifying on Saturday, Sunday afternoon always brings the excitement of the main event.

And in Madrid, the anticipation was vividly palpable.