Ferrari Gains Early Madring Data, McLaren's Stella Notes "Slight Advantage"

Maranello's FerrariTeam·Ferrari team has secured an early understanding of the new Madring circuitVenue·Madring circuit in MadridVenue·Madrid, Spain, following a dedicated filming day in July 2026. This proactive approach has drawn comments from McLarenTeam·McLaren Team Principal Andrea StellaCoach·Andrea Stella, who believes FerrariTeam·Ferrari has gained a "slight advantage" ahead of the Spanish Grand PrixCompetition·Spanish Grand Prix scheduled for September.

FerrariTeam·Ferrari utilized one of their two permitted filming days to run their SF-26 car at the newly constructed venue. Both Charles LeclercPlayer·Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonPlayer·Lewis Hamilton were on track, making FerrariTeam·Ferrari the first team to gather real-world data from the circuit that will host a Formula 1Competition·Formula 1 Grand Prix for the first time. This session, conducted after Leclerc's victory at the Grand Prix of Great BritainCompetition·Grand Prix of Great Britain, allowed the team to collect initial information on the track's characteristics.

Stella, while acknowledging the benefit, expressed that McLarenTeam·McLaren was not informed about FerrariTeam·Ferrari's session, describing it as a "surprise." However, he confirmed that FerrariTeam·Ferrari's actions were entirely within Formula 1Competition·Formula 1 regulations, and footage from the session was subsequently shared with rival teams, allowing them to analyze the circuit from onboard cameras.

"Regardless of the tyres, which are not very representative, and the track conditions, which were probably terribly slippery because it's just a construction site, there is always something small you can learn," Stella explained. "You have some reference points. Especially with this year's power units, you get some data so you don't start from completely assumed values, because no one has been there."

Despite the limitations of the filming day, such as the use of Pirelli demonstration tyres and the circuit still being under construction, Stella conceded that the data gathered would provide valuable "reference points." This initial information could prove particularly useful under the 2026 power unit regulations, offering benchmarks for simulator work and early preparations. However, Stella downplayed the long-term impact, stating that any advantage would likely be "forgotten" after a few laps during the actual race weekend.

This development comes amidst a tightly contested 2026 season. Earlier in the year, in June, Andrea StellaCoach·Andrea Stella had notably asserted that FerrariTeam·Ferrari's SF-26 possesses the "best chassis" on the grid, particularly excelling in medium-speed corners. Despite this perceived strength from a competitor, Stella indicated in July that McLarenTeam·McLaren's overall performance deficit to both FerrariTeam·Ferrari and MercedesTeam·Mercedes stood at approximately half a second. Following pre-season testing in February, Stella had also suggested that FerrariTeam·Ferrari and MercedesTeam·Mercedes held a "slight edge" over McLarenTeam·McLaren and Red BullTeam·Red Bull.

FerrariTeam·Ferrari's early access to the Madring circuitVenue·Madring circuit, even with its inherent limitations, provides them with a head start in understanding the track's unique demands. In a season where marginal gains can significantly influence outcomes, this initial data could be a crucial factor as teams prepare for the Spanish Grand PrixCompetition·Spanish Grand Prix in September.