Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur has stated the Scuderia has ‘turned the page’ on its disappointing Italian Grand Prix, with full focus now directed towards the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid. The recent race at Monza proved to be a significant setback for the team.
The Italian Grand Prix, Ferrari’s home event, unravelled dramatically for the Maranello outfit. Charles Leclerc crashed heavily on Lap 2 after an initial clash with teammate Lewis Hamilton.
Leclerc lost control of his SF-26 through the Parabolica, hitting the barriers at approximately 230 km/h. He later reported vision issues in his right eye following the impact, necessitating additional medical checks before the Madrid event.
Lewis Hamilton, after being forced wide onto the gravel by Leclerc on the opening lap, recovered to finish sixth. Hamilton publicly criticised Ferrari’s operational and communication methods regarding driver management after the incident.
Ferrari’s upgraded power unit, its second ADUO development of the 2026 season, failed to eliminate the straight-line speed deficit. The SF-26 remains approximately 20 horsepower behind Mercedes.
Vasseur acknowledged the bruising result and apologised to the Tifosi for the team’s performance. Ferrari is not realistically contending for either the Drivers’ or Constructors’ Championship in 2026.
The Monza circuit’s high-speed nature, coupled with the 2026 regulations’ reliance on battery deployment, traditionally presents challenges for Ferrari’s car characteristics.
The Spanish Grand Prix, the 14th round of the 2026 season, will be held at the new Madring circuit in Madrid from September 11-13. This marks the first Formula 1 race in Madrid since 1981.
The Madring circuit, officially named Circuito de Madring, is a 5.416-kilometre hybrid track featuring 22 corners. It combines public roads and purpose-built sections around the IFEMA Madrid exhibition centre.
Key features of the circuit include two short tunnel sections, a new pit building with an indoor paddock, and the heavily banked Turn 12, known as La Monumental.
La Monumental is a 550-meter-long left-hand turn with 24-degree banking and a height of 10 meters, expected to offer multiple racing lines and promote overtaking.
The circuit’s construction commenced in May 2025, with the pit building underway and the first layer of asphalt being laid. Carlos Sainz serves as an ambassador for the Madring circuit.
F3 conducted a two-day test at Madring in early August, which saw 19 red flags, indicating a demanding and high-speed layout. Overtaking opportunities are anticipated at Turns 1, 5, 11, and 17.
However, the narrowness of the circuit and close walls may limit these opportunities. Energy management will be crucial due to the track’s high-speed corners and long straights.
Both Leclerc and Hamilton gained an initial understanding of the Madring circuit during a Filming Day conducted in July.
Ferrari currently holds second place in the Constructors’ Championship with 346 points, trailing Mercedes by 122 points. Hamilton secured a victory in Barcelona, while Leclerc won in Britain earlier this season.
Vasseur’s position faces increased scrutiny following the Monza outcome and Hamilton’s public remarks. Ferrari’s senior leadership is reportedly reviewing his role.
“We have turned the page after Monza and our full focus is now on Madrid and on the opportunity that a new race weekend presents.”
Vasseur emphasised the need for quick adaptation and maximising every session at the new venue.
