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Madring Debuts as F1’s New Madrid Circuit with Drivers Warning of High Risk

Friday practice will give most teams their first real data on La Monumental after lower‑formula tests raised safety concerns.

Overview

  • The inaugural Spanish Grand Prix will run at Madring from September 11–13, 2026, with the race set for 57 laps on Sunday.
  • Madring is a 5.4‑kilometre hybrid urban/permanent track with 22 corners and a heavily banked feature called La Monumental that reaches about 24% tilt and will subject tyres and cars to extreme lateral and vertical loads.
  • Official lower‑category running produced 19 red flags during F3 tests, and multiple F1 drivers have warned the tight walls, aggressive kerbs and changing grip could cause further stoppages this weekend.
  • Ferrari holds a marginal edge because Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton completed a permitted 200 km filming day in July, leaving most teams to reconcile simulator models with on‑track practice data.
  • Formula 1 says the Madrid project is privately financed and may generate roughly €400–450 million and around 6,000 jobs, while resident group Stop Formula 1 Madrid continues to press noise, mobility and environmental complaints that Spanish courts have so far rejected.