The future of Formula 1Competition·Formula 1 in Spain took a tangible step forward on July 9, 2026, as Scuderia FerrariTeam·Scuderia Ferrari drivers Charles LeclercPlayer·Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonPlayer·Lewis Hamilton became the first to navigate the entirely new Madring CircuitVenue·Madring Circuit in Madrid. Their promotional laps offered an initial glimpse of the hybrid city track that will host the Spanish Grand PrixCompetition·Spanish Grand Prix from 2026 through 2035.
The Madring CircuitVenue·Madring Circuit, a 5.416-kilometer (3.365-mile) layout featuring 22 turns, is nearing completion. A distinctive element of the track is its 550-meter (1,804-foot) banked corner, known as "La Monumental," which boasts a 24% incline, making it the steepest on the current Formula 1Competition·Formula 1 calendar. While much of the track surface has received FIA approval, construction of the grandstands, paddock facilities, and hospitality areas continues, with full readiness anticipated for its debut race in mid-September.
Ferrari utilized one of their permitted filming days for the event, allowing Leclerc and Hamilton to complete a maximum of 200 kilometers (124 miles) using special PirelliTeam·Pirelli promotional tires. This session, contrary to initial speculation, was not directly funded by the Madring CircuitVenue·Madring Circuit itself. Despite the track being somewhat dusty, the opportunity provided Ferrari with valuable early impressions and data.
While the data gathered from these limited laps may not be directly applicable to the competitive conditions of a race weekend, it offers Ferrari a "slight but significant advantage" over rivals. The team can leverage this preliminary information to refine their simulator models and gain an early understanding of optimal energy management strategies around the circuit's unique characteristics. This initial insight could prove beneficial as teams prepare for the Spanish Grand PrixCompetition·Spanish Grand Prix, scheduled for September 11-13.
Scuderia FerrariTeam·Scuderia Ferrari has demonstrated strong performance in the 2025/26 season. Charles LeclercPlayer·Charles Leclerc recently secured victory at the British Grand PrixCompetition·British Grand Prix, with Lewis HamiltonPlayer·Lewis Hamilton finishing third. Hamilton also claimed a win at the Barcelona Grand PrixCompetition·Barcelona Grand Prix, contributing to two Ferrari victories in the last three races. The team currently holds second place in the Constructors' Championship, 78 points behind MercedesTeam·Mercedes. In the Drivers' standings, Hamilton and Leclerc are positioned third and fourth, respectively.
Amidst discussions regarding Lewis HamiltonPlayer·Lewis Hamilton's contract extension, Ferrari Team Principal Fred VasseurCoach·Fred Vasseur stated that "it is not the moment" to discuss the matter publicly, confirming direct conversations would take place with Hamilton. Hamilton himself has expressed his intention to remain in Formula 1Competition·Formula 1 for a long time.
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