King Felipe shared a memorable father-daughters outing with Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía at the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid over the weekend.
The Spanish monarch and his daughters took in the racing at the newly inaugurated Madring circuit yesterday. With Queen Letizia not in attendance, the visit offered the trio a chance to enjoy their mutual enthusiasm for motorsport before a demanding new academic year begins.
Leonor, 20, started a bachelor’s degree in Political Science at Madrid’s Carlos III University earlier this month. Her latest educational chapter follows three years of military instruction with Spain’s army, navy and air force.
Sofía, 19, meanwhile, is getting ready to return to France for her second year at Forward College’s Paris campus, where she is studying Political Science and International Relations.
The sisters appeared at ease in the paddock, where they met two of Spain’s most prominent racing names: Fernando Alonso and Madrid native Carlos Sainz.
The race weekend was particularly significant for Formula 1 fans, marking the sport’s first return to Madrid in 45 years. The new 5.4km Madring circuit has generated considerable anticipation among spectators.
King Felipe joined Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía for a father-daughters day at the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid over the weekend
The trio followed the racing at the newly opened Madring circuit, while Queen Letizia’s absence allowed them to enjoy a shared motorsport interest ahead of another busy year of study
The Grand Prix outing offered a welcome pause for Leonor, 20, who recently began her Political Science degree at Carlos III University of Madrid after completing three years of military training across Spain’s armed forces
For the occasion, the royals opted for polished yet casual looks. Leonor wore a dusty-rose sleeveless top paired with flowing white trousers and a coordinating handbag.
Sofía opted for an elegant all-white outfit, complete with a brown belt and matching clutch, while King Felipe complimented his daughters’ neutral palette by sporting a beige jacket, light blue shirt and navy trousers.
A statement released by the Royal Household confirmed: ‘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.
‘His Majesty the King, accompanied by Their Royal Highnesses the Princess of Asturias and Infanta Sofía, will attend the Spanish Grand Prix.’
Sport has always been a big part of Leonor and Sofía’s public lives, with the sisters regularly showing their support for Spanish teams and athletes.
The famously celebrated 2010 World Cup victory as children and have continued to attend major sporting events over the years, including recently at the 2026 World Cup final in New Jersey, where they watched Spain defeat Argentina 1-0 in real time.
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In 2022, the sisters made their first official trip abroad without their parents to support Spain at the Women’s European Championship in England, while Sofía later celebrated the country’s 2023 Women’s World Cup victory on the pitch in Sydney.
They were also among the Royal Family members supporting Spanish stars at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where they cheered on athletes including Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz, as reported by HELLO!
The royals kept their looks stylish but relaxed for the occasion, with Leonor wearing a dusty-rose sleeveless top with flowing white trousers and a matching handbag
Sofía opted for an elegant all-white outfit, complete with a brown belt and a matching clutch bag
Fernando Alonso of Spain and Aston Martin F1 Team and Carlos Sainz of Spain and Williams meet King Felipe of Spain, Leonor, Princess of Asturias prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Spain
Stefano Domenicali, Zak Brown and Crown Prince of Bahrain Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa meet King Felipe of Spain and Leonor Princess of Asturias
Princess Leonor of Asturias swapped her military uniform for jeans as she began life as a student at the Carlos III University of Madrid on 7 September
Their passion for sport has even influenced the royal schedule, with the 2026 Princess of Girona Awards moved earlier so the family could watch an important Spanish national team match.
Their appearance at the Madrid Grand Prix was another chance for Leonor and Sofía to enjoy one of their favourite pastimes, while spending time with their father and supporting two of Spain’s biggest names in motorsport.
It’s a welcome break for Princess Leonor, who returns to class this week after a whirlwind first week of higher education at the Carlos III University.
On her first day at the university, on September 7, the royal swapped her military uniform for jeans as she began life as a student.
The eldest daughter of King Felipe and Queen Letizia, who completed her military training in July, was dressed casually in a short-sleeved, white blouse, dark-wash jeans and trainers as she stepped out at the Getafe campus near the capital.
At the Spanish university, Leonor will study courses in humanities, economics, sociology, history and international relations as she prepares for her future as queen, a statement from the palace said.
‘The Princess of Asturias has concluded her first day of university,’ the Royal Household said in a statement alongside a video of Leonor on campus.
She attended classes in Legal Theory, Research Methodology in Social Sciences, and Fundamentals of Political Science in addition to a welcome session organised by the programme director Gema García Albacete.