The Formula 1 circus has arrived in Madrid this weekend for the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at the brand-new Madring circuit. Max Verstappen, currently sixth in the Drivers’ Championship, approaches the event with caution, describing the 5.414-kilometre layout as challenging.
The Madring circuit, a semi-permanent street track built around the IFEMA exhibition centre, features 22 corners and combines public roads with purpose-built sections. This hybrid design presents a unique test for all teams and drivers, as no real-world data exists from previous Formula 1 races at the venue.
A notable feature of the circuit is Turn 12, known as ‘La Monumental’, a 550-metre banked corner with a gradient reaching up to 24%. This section is the longest banked corner on the current F1 calendar and is expected to place significant and varied loads on the tyres.
Verstappen has extensively used the simulator to prepare for the Madring, but he admits that predicting Red Bull’s performance remains difficult. The four-time World Champion has yet to secure a victory in the 2026 season, reflecting a challenging campaign for Red Bull Racing.
Red Bull Racing currently sits fourth in the Constructors’ Championship with 204 points. The team’s 2026 challenger, the RB22, has faced power unit struggles and performance inconsistencies throughout the season, a point Verstappen has previously highlighted.
The 2026 regulations introduced significant changes, including new power units with a 50-50 electrical and internal combustion split, lighter cars, and active aerodynamics. Red Bull Powertrains’ new engine design has been noted for pushing the limits of the compression ratio rules.
Despite the FIA’s Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) system identifying Red Bull Powertrains’ internal combustion engine as the benchmark, the team is currently unable to implement certain homologation upgrades. Red Bull has publicly disputed the FIA’s assessment regarding their engine’s comparative power.
The Spanish Grand Prix weekend commenced today, Friday, September 11, with Free Practice 1 and 2 sessions. Teams will focus on gathering crucial data to understand the new circuit’s demands and optimise their car setups for qualifying and Sunday’s race.
