The new "MadringVenue·Madring" circuit in Madrid, Spain, officially welcomed its first Formula 1Competition·Formula 1 cars last Thursday as Scuderia FerrariTeam·Scuderia Ferrari conducted a film day, allowing drivers Charles LeclercPlayer·Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonPlayer·Lewis Hamilton to experience the track. This event marked a significant milestone for the circuit, which is slated to host the Spanish Grand PrixCompetition·Spanish Grand Prix from September 11-13, 2026, and will remain on the Formula 1Competition·Formula 1 calendar until 2035.
The hybrid street circuit, initially known as the Ifema Madrid Circuit, spans approximately 5.4 kilometers and features between 20 and 22 turns. It winds through the prominent Ifema Madrid convention center, incorporating distinctive sections such as the "La Monumental" corner, which boasts a notable 24% banking, and the high-speed "Hortaleza" turn. While construction on grandstands and the paddock continues, the track itself is now considered complete.
During the film day on July 9, 2026, Leclerc and Hamilton were permitted to cover a maximum of 200 kilometers, utilizing specialized PirelliTeam·Pirelli test tires rather than those designated for a race weekend. The data collected from these initial runs is not expected to provide significant competitive advantage for the actual Grand Prix, serving primarily for promotional content and initial familiarization. Ferrari holds the distinction of being the first team to test the new MadringVenue·Madring layout.
Early impressions of the circuit suggest a challenging and rapid environment. Carlos SainzPlayer·Carlos Sainz, who previously drove a Ford Mustang GTTeam·Ford Mustang GT on the track as an official ambassador, described it as "faster than expected" and anticipated it would present a considerable test for the drivers. The design aims to deliver exciting moments for spectators and enhance overtaking opportunities, aligning with the evolving dynamics of Formula 1Competition·Formula 1.
Scuderia FerrariTeam·Scuderia Ferrari enters the 2026 season with considerable momentum. The team has secured two victories in the last three races, with Lewis HamiltonPlayer·Lewis Hamilton achieving his first win for Ferrari in BarcelonaVenue·Barcelona and Charles LeclercPlayer·Charles Leclerc triumphing at SilverstoneVenue·Silverstone last weekend, marking his first success since 2024. Hamilton also topped the second free practice session at the Monaco Grand PrixCompetition·Monaco Grand Prix in June 2026, with Leclerc closely behind. This strong form, combined with the introduction of new cars, teams, and regulations for the 2026 season, positions the inaugural Madrid Grand Prix as a potentially unpredictable and thrilling event on the Formula 1Competition·Formula 1 calendar.
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