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New Madring Street Circuit Set for Formula 1 Debut

Formula 1 is preparing to debut at the brand-new Madring street circuit as Madrid takes over hosting duties for the Spanish Grand Prix from Barcelona. The 3.365-mile layout features up to 24 corners, relentless directional changes, and minimal straightaways. Competitors anticipate a grueling trial, with junior drivers comparing the fast, enclosed layout to an intensified version of Saudi Arabia's Jeddah Corniche Circuit. Key challenges along the lap include a narrow Turn 5 chicane where two cars cannot fit side by side and Turn 12, an aggressive 180-degree banked corner dubbed La Monumental. The banked turn boasts a 24 percent gradient, forcing drivers to endure extreme lateral forces while remaining flat on the accelerator. Carlos Sainz, who helped design safety elements for the turn, warned that tight barriers make the venue one of the toughest additions to modern motorsport. Earlier Formula 3 testing produced 19 red flags across two days, sparking expectations among drivers that the race weekend could see frequent stoppages and safety cars. Ferrari teammates Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton previously evaluated the circuit during filming runs, noting low initial grip and scarce overtaking opportunities. Madrid is contracted to stage the annual grand prix through at least 2035.

· Sky Sports

The essential points

  1. 01Formula 1 makes its debut at Madrid's Madring street circuit, which replaces Barcelona as host of the Spanish Grand Prix.
  2. 02The 3.365-mile circuit features Turn 12, a steep 180-degree banked corner running at a 24 percent gradient.
  3. 03Drivers anticipate regular safety cars and red flags after a two-day junior test session experienced 19 stoppages.
  4. 04Carlos Sainz, Charles Leclerc, and Lewis Hamilton noted that tight barrier margins and short straights will restrict overtaking opportunities.
The full brief

Formula 1 is preparing to debut at the brand-new Madring street circuit as Madrid takes over hosting duties for the Spanish Grand Prix from Barcelona. The 3.365-mile layout features up to 24 corners, relentless directional changes, and minimal straightaways. Competitors anticipate a grueling trial, with junior drivers comparing the fast, enclosed layout to an intensified version of Saudi Arabia's Jeddah Corniche Circuit.

Key challenges along the lap include a narrow Turn 5 chicane where two cars cannot fit side by side and Turn 12, an aggressive 180-degree banked corner dubbed La Monumental. The banked turn boasts a 24 percent gradient, forcing drivers to endure extreme lateral forces while remaining flat on the accelerator. Carlos Sainz, who helped design safety elements for the turn, warned that tight barriers make the venue one of the toughest additions to modern motorsport.

Earlier Formula 3 testing produced 19 red flags across two days, sparking expectations among drivers that the race weekend could see frequent stoppages and safety cars. Ferrari teammates Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton previously evaluated the circuit during filming runs, noting low initial grip and scarce overtaking opportunities. Madrid is contracted to stage the annual grand prix through at least 2035.