No Verstappen or Hamilton as FIA puts Madrid heroes in the spotlight

After 45 years of waiting since the last Formula 1 race at Jarama in 1981, the Spanish capital is ready to reclaim its place on the F1 calendar. Madrid will host the second Grand Prix to be held in Spain this season, after the traditional event in Barcelona already took place several months ago.

The two local heroes, Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz, will be among the main protagonists in front of the microphones on Thursday. The spotlight will be particularly bright on Sainz, who was born in Madrid and will therefore have the chance to compete in his home city as Formula 1 arrives in the Spanish capital.

The two head into their home event without particularly high expectations, however, given the performance of their respective cars and the difficulties both Williams and, in particular, Aston Martin have encountered this season.

Among the other drivers set to face the media on Thursday are Franco Colapinto for Alpine, Esteban Ocon for Haas, Gabriel Bortoleto for Audi and Valtteri Bottas for Cadillac.

All drivers from the top four teams in the Constructors' Championship are absent from the FIA press conference line-up, meaning they will instead have the opportunity to speak to the media separately.

As for the session dedicated to the team principals, which delivered plenty of drama last week with the all-Italian clash between Flavio Briatore and Andrea Stella, this time Mike Krack, Marcin Budkowski and Alan Permane will face the media, representing Aston Martin, Cadillac and Racing Bulls respectively.

The post-qualifying and post-race press conferences will follow the usual format, with the three fastest drivers from qualifying facing the media on Saturday, before the top three finishers from Sunday's race take centre stage after the Grand Prix. Below is the full recap.