Carlos Sainz’s ‘Grada Sainz’ Returns: A Fan Tradition Revived at Barcelona
In 2016, Carlos Sainz surprised Spanish fans with the launch of ‘Grada Sainz’ – a fan package that proved incredibly popular. The initiative successfully encouraged many newcomers to attend a Formula 1 race for the first time, with the vast majority becoming repeat visitors.
The Original ‘Grada Sainz’ Experience
The original ‘Grada Sainz’ wasn’t just a ticket. it was a complete fan package. It included a Toro Rosso cap, a t-shirt, and a flag, creating a highly visible and unified fan base supporting a relatively new driver. The experience was so well-received that demand quickly grew, leading to expansions and even a change of grandstand to accommodate more supporters.
Despite Sainz’s moves to different teams, the ‘Grada Sainz’ continued annually, with the exception of the pandemic years when access to races was severely restricted.
‘Grada Sainz’ 2026: Back in Barcelona
Now, the ‘Grada Sainz’ is making its return for the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Sainz has reserved space in Tribune B, making over 3,000 tickets available to fans – a number that is expected to be in high demand.
The package price for this season is €274.50 (including management fees), offering a value of €445.
Ticket Sales and Access
Tickets will go on sale on March 17th at 10:00 AM (peninsular time) through the Circuit’s official ticket portal. A virtual queue will open at 9:00 AM, but organizers emphasize that early entry into the virtual queue isn’t crucial; simply joining between 9:00 AM and 9:59 AM is sufficient.
The Catalan Grand Prix is the ninth race of the season, taking place from June 12th to 14th.
The Enduring Appeal of Dedicated Fan Spaces
The success of ‘Grada Sainz’ highlights a growing trend in motorsports: the creation of dedicated fan spaces. These areas foster a sense of community and provide a more immersive experience for supporters. Similar initiatives exist with other drivers and teams, demonstrating the value placed on building direct connections with fans.
These dedicated spaces often include exclusive merchandise, meet-and-greet opportunities, and pre-race activities, enhancing the overall race day experience.
FAQ
- What is ‘Grada Sainz’? It’s a dedicated fan section for Carlos Sainz supporters at the Spanish Grand Prix, including a ticket and merchandise.
- When do tickets go on sale? March 17th at 10:00 AM (peninsular time).
- How much does a ‘Grada Sainz’ package cost? €274.50 (including fees), with a value of €445.
- Where is ‘Grada Sainz’ located? Tribune B at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
Pro Tip: Set a reminder for March 17th and familiarize yourself with the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya’s ticket portal beforehand to streamline the purchase process.
Want to learn more about the 2026 Formula 1 driver lineup? Check out the latest driver information here.