AUGUST 26, 2026

Madring earns praise after bruising first test

Formula 3 drivers praised Madrid's new circuit after a two-day rehearsal featuring 19 red flags and extensive operational testing.

The first substantial running at Madrid's new Formula 1 venue has produced two encouraging findings. The drivers enjoyed the circuit, and the marshals received plenty of practice.

Formula 3 completed a two-day rehearsal at the 5.4-kilometre Madring, with the exercise designed to test much more than the asphalt. Medical services, recovery operations, race control and the circuit's large body of marshals were all put through their paces before the Spanish Grand Prix.

They were not short of work. There were 19 red flags across the two days, most caused by cars making contact with the walls. Dust from continuing construction and strong winds contributed to the shortage of grip.

Reports indicated that the FIA had no major concern about either the safety response or operational procedures.

Drivers were enthusiastic about the layout, particularly its unforgiving nature. Freddie Slater, quickest on the opening day, compared its character with traditional street circuits such as Macau and Monaco.

It's possibly one of the most fun circuits to drive for a single lap, he said.

The most intriguing feature is La Monumental, a 550-metre banked corner where the Formula 3 cars were reportedly already touching the track under compression. Formula 1 teams will be paying close attention to that. Cars run too low and risk floor damage or a technical infringement, but excessive ride height has its own performance cost.

Ugo Ugochukwu set Tuesday's fastest time at 1:49.034. Estimates put Formula 1 somewhere near the 1:34 mark, although predictions made before a circuit has rubbered in are best treated as informed entertainment.

The remaining work is concentrated primarily on the paddock, garages, grandstands and spectator areas. The important discovery is that the circuit appears to have personality. Modern Formula 1 venues are often criticised for providing immaculate facilities and little else; Madrid's abundance of concrete may at least ensure nobody accuses it of being too forgiving.