GALLERY: F3 drivers test the ‘incredible’ Madring circuit
F3 drivers tested the new Madring circuit in Madrid ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, marking the venue’s first major track session before its September debut with F1, F2, and F3.
Formula 3 drivers completed two days of in-season testing at the newly constructed Madring circuit in Madrid, which will host the Spanish Grand Prix on September 11–13. The session allowed all 30 drivers to familiarize themselves with the track’s mix of permanent sections and public roads, including the distinctive banked turn ‘La Monumental’, ahead of the 2026 F1 season. The circuit’s design aims to challenge drivers with a blend of technical corners and high-speed segments, offering a preview of what to expect when F1 returns to the city for the first time since 1991.
Carlos Sainz, a home favorite, completed a lap in May, but Ferrari secured the first official F1 lap times during a filming day. The Madring’s layout, featuring a combination of street and permanent track elements, presents a unique challenge compared to traditional circuits. Drivers noted the track’s character and driving enjoyment, with Freddie Slater, leading the F3 standings, calling it one of the most enjoyable circuits on the calendar. His comments highlighted the track’s old-school feel and technical demands, drawing comparisons to iconic street circuits like Monaco and Macau.
The Madring circuit’s debut in September will mark the first time F1 races in Madrid, with F2 and F3 also participating as support categories. The event follows two days of F3 testing, where drivers assessed the track’s grip, braking zones, and overtaking opportunities. The circuit’s inclusion of public roads and permanent sections is expected to create a dynamic racing environment, with ‘La Monumental’ banked turn adding a distinctive feature to the lap.
Photographs from the F3 testing session at Madring have been released, showcasing the drivers’ interactions with the new track. The images provide a glimpse into the preparation for the Spanish Grand Prix, where teams will refine their strategies and drivers will adapt to the circuit’s nuances. The Madring’s design, combining technical challenges with high-speed sections, aims to deliver competitive racing and an engaging spectacle for fans attending the event in September.