F1 Spanish Grand Prix Week | EHang showcases EH216-S and a 3,000-drone light show at the FIA Sustainable Innovation Series

EHang announced its extensive involvement in the FIA Sustainable Innovation Series held in Madrid during the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix week. Organized by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile and aligned with FIA World Championships and Member Clubs, the Series convenes key figures from motor sport, mobility, technology, industry and government to accelerate the transfer of racetrack innovation into safer, smarter and more sustainable real‑world mobility solutions.

On 9 September, Fundación RACE hosted the FIA Sustainable Innovation Series welcome event at Circuito de Madrid Jarama–RACE. During the showcase, EHang’s EH216‑S pilotless, passenger‑carrying electric vertical take‑off and landing aircraft delivered a landmark demonstration above the historic circuit. As the aircraft ascended and flew over Jarama, guests witnessed a powerful convergence of racetrack, roadway and airspace.

The moment underscored the entry of pilotless flight, electrification and Advanced Air Mobility into one of Spain’s most iconic motor sport venues. It marked a symbolic evolution of the traditional “race‑to‑road” innovation pathway—extending it into the sky—and transformed the future of three‑dimensional mobility from a forward‑looking concept into a tangible, real‑world flight experience.

As night fell, the event reached a second spectacular highlight. A fleet of 3,000 EHang GD4.0 formation drones ascended in perfect synchrony, transforming the Madrid skyline into a vast digital canvas. The aerial display moved through a series of precisely choreographed formations depicting the FIA, motor racing themes, Spain, Puerta del Sol, the Bear and the Strawberry Tree, and the city’s iconic skyline—seamlessly blending technology, urban culture and motor sport in the night sky.

In its official communication, RACE described the large‑scale drone performance as “unprecedented” in Europe, underscoring EHang’s capabilities in orchestrating extensive drone fleets, executing precision formation flight, and delivering centralised, intelligent command coordination.

The institutional welcome featured Carmelo Sanz de Barros, President of RACE and President of the FIA Senate; Victoria Xiang, President of EHang Europe & Latin America; Luis Miguel Torres, Director General for Transport and Mobility of the Regional Government of Madrid; and Borja Carabante, Madrid City Councillor for Urban Planning, Environment and Mobility.

Carmelo Sanz de Barros, President of RACE and President of the FIA Senate, commented: “Madrid is experiencing a historic moment for motor sport and mobility — Formula 1 and Formula E are coming together in the city in the same year for the first time, further consolidating Madrid’s position as an international meeting point for innovation, mobility and motor sport. As the FIA’s representative in Spain, RACE is committed to bringing society closer to the major advances that are defining the future of mobility. Circuito de Madrid Jarama–RACE has long witnessed the evolution of the automotive industry; today, it should also serve as a setting for the development and demonstration of new technologies such as Urban Air Mobility, helping transform them into real solutions for the mobility of the future.”

Luis Miguel Torres, Director General for Transport and Mobility, Regional Government of Madrid, stated: “Advanced Air Mobility represents a new frontier for transportation and an important opportunity for Madrid to continue leading the development of innovative, safe and sustainable mobility solutions. Today’s demonstration at Circuito de Madrid Jarama–RACE shows the value of collaboration between technology, industry and public institutions — testing these new forms of mobility together and progressively integrating them into our transport ecosystem.”

Borja Carabante, Madrid City Councillor for Urban Planning, Environment and Mobility, said: “Madrid is firmly committed to innovation as a driver of more sustainable, efficient and connected mobility. The demonstration we have witnessed today shows how the ‘third dimension’ can become part of the mobility ecosystem of the future. As a city, our role is to work with industry and the relevant authorities so that these technologies can develop safely and ultimately create real value for citizens.”

Victoria Xiang, President of EHang Europe & Latin America, added: “Motor sport has long served as an important proving ground for innovation in new materials, safety, energy and digital technologies. Today, we are taking that innovation logic one step further — from the race to the road, and from the road to the sky. EHang will continue working with global partners to build a complete ecosystem for the safe, integrated and sustainable operation of Advanced Air Mobility. Spain is our base in Europe and an important bridge connecting European regulation and industrial capabilities with broader international markets.”