The newly introduced Madring track for the Spanish Grand Prix has drawn positive feedback from several leading Formula 1 racers who praised its demanding, high-stakes characteristics, though some remain unconvinced.
After testing the 5.4-kilometer layout in virtual simulators, competitors prepared themselves for a highly demanding weekend on a circuit that merges the narrow, unforgiving characteristics of a street course with numerous quick and sweeping turns. However, virtual running cannot replicate actual track time. After a pair of 60-minute practice runs, during which pilots exercised noticeable care to prevent incidents on the tight track, the initial assessments of Formula 1’s latest destination have emerged.
Oscar Piastri, who finished the opening day in fifth place while McLaren chased performance relative to their main rivals, noted that the track is considerably more demanding than typical venues. He explained that rather than just skimming the walls, drivers often find themselves heading straight toward them during corner entry, requiring precise reactions. Piastri observed that while the grid is still adapting, establishing a clean flow during a hot lap yields a highly rewarding experience.
Aside from a second-practice shunt involving Racing Bulls’ youngster Arvid Lindblad, the opening day of action progressed relatively smoothly. However, the track’s complex braking zones presented significant difficulties as competitors fought to prevent lock-ups, while high tyre degradation, evolving track conditions, and congestion on track emerged as key obstacles.
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc expressed his enjoyment of the new venue, explaining that he naturally thrives on complex street circuits, and this layout is no different. He added that he was pleasantly surprised by the high level of traction available from the outset, particularly given the lack of rubber on the brand-new asphalt.
Cadillac’s Sergio Perez
Photo by: Andy Hone/ LAT Images via Getty Images
While his rookie teammate Kimi Antonelli went fastest overall, George Russell concluded his Friday sessions believing the track carries a very high level of risk. He also voiced concerns that passing maneuvers would be extremely difficult during the race, a worry echoed by several other competitors.
The most enthusiastic feedback came from local resident Sergio Perez. Despite struggling for pace in his Cadillac car, the Mexican driver was full of praise for the new event. He described the circuit as highly impressive and predicted that the Madrid round will quickly establish itself as the premier Grand Prix on the European continent.
He predicted that both Saturday’s qualifying session and Sunday’s main event would be highly unpredictable, meaning his squad must be flawless in their execution to make the most of any opportunities.
However, not everyone shared Perez’s excitement. Max Verstappen, who has historically been critical of street tracks, remained unconvinced by the layout’s design.
The reigning four-time champion reiterated his preference for classic, permanent courses like Spa-Francorchamps, noting that while the promoters have done an outstanding job constructing the venue, his fundamental dislike for temporary street tracks remains unchanged.
Aston Martin Racing’s Fernando Alonso
Photo by: Simon Galloway / LAT Images via Getty Images
Although the venue does not place extreme demands on the hybrid power units, teams and drivers are finding it difficult to manage energy recovery due to the rapidly shifting grip levels. This phenomenon was particularly noticeable for Fernando Alonso in his Honda-powered Aston Martin, who overcame an early clutch issue to run during the latter portion of the second practice session.
The Spanish double champion explained that optimizing tire temperatures alongside the hybrid battery’s state of charge towards the end of a lap will be exceptionally difficult, adding that their Honda package seems highly sensitive to slight adjustments in driving technique through the final complex of corners.
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