‘A dream come true to race here’ – What the F1 drivers make of the 'insane' new Madring circuit

Formula 1 drivers will once again get to experience the thrill of racing at a new circuit at this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix, where excitement for the unknown has already spread through the paddock at the Madring.

Spain’s capital city is welcoming F1 back for the first time in 45 years with a purpose-built track that combines public roads with permanent sections. Its high speeds, twisty layout and unique banked corner – suitably named La Monumental – have already generated plenty of discussion about what to expect.

While the action won’t begin until Free Practice 1 at 1330 local time on Friday, September 11, many have already used the simulator to get a feel for the venue, and early reactions bode well for the competitive sessions.

Someone who’s especially looking forward to the round is Madrid-born Carlos Sainz, who is not only about to experience his first true home race, but also serves as a circuit ambassador.

The Spaniard was the first on the grid to complete a lap of the Madring, albeit in a road car when it was still incomplete. At the time, he called it “honestly impressive” and admitted that he “didn’t expect it to be so flowing, so wide” – comments which he added to upon his return to the city.

“I’m for sure going to enjoy this a lot,” he told the media on Thursday. “It’s going to be busy, but also emotional. I’m going to try and enjoy it as much as possible. It looks like the track has a character that is charismatic, with a lot of different types of corners.”

His countryman Fernando Alonso has 25 years of racing in Spain as an F1 driver under his belt, but that doesn’t mean that this weekend will be any less remarkable for him. Instead, it’s the opposite, as he was keen to embrace the chance to compete twice in the nation in the same season, having already ticked off the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.

“It's going to be a very nice weekend,” Alonso said. “We have this privilege to race two times in Spain this year, and for the very first time in Madrid. It is special. Also a new track, so it adds this challenge for everyone to learn the track as quick as possible in Free Practice. For me, it’s double special being in Spain.

“Madrid is one of the best cities in the world so to have a Grand Prix and to welcome F1 here is incredible. I think for any racing driver, to win in Madrid will mean a lot.

“It’s very technical, lots of kerb riding and a couple of high-speed sections where you need to get very close to the walls, which is very attractive and very high adrenaline for a driver – close to Jeddah.”

Alpine’s Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto seemed similarly enthusiastic about the Madring after their strong outing in Monza, which saw the Frenchman clinch a shock pole position before the pair delivered a double points finish.

“The track itself on the simulator looked insane,” Gasly raved. “To drive it was very fun – lots of technical and twisty corners. From everything I’ve heard, it’s definitely something very unique. So, big challenge, but I’m excited for this type of weekend where everything is brand new for everyone.

“I think the challenge driving-wise should not be underestimated, because it’s 15 corners, and they’re absolutely crazy – with undulation, going up and down, banking, 90-degree corners, 180-degree corners, low speed, high speed – you name it, you’ve got a bit of everything.

“It’s exciting. As a driver, it feels like you’re going to have many opportunities around the lap to actually make these small gains everywhere. I think the track layout is something I’ve never seen before. I’m sure we’re going to have huge adrenaline in the car.”

Colapinto, who lived in Madrid for a time, added: “I’m really excited to be back here in Spain. Madrid does feel like the closest to home, I think especially because of my previous experiences and how I started in Europe – I started here in Madrid.

“To be racing here in F1 is a dream come true. I think it’s very good for the sport as well to have another big city like Madrid being back on the calendar, putting a very exciting track [together]. It looks like a very good one to drive. It’s going to be cool.”

Cadillac driver Sergio Perez labelled it “a proper track”, while Ollie Bearman admitted that “new tracks are always incredibly fun for us” – possibly because as any incidents create more openings for midfield teams like Haas to score.

The frontrunners seem to be anticipating an interesting round too, with Mercedes’ George Russell targeting his first win since Round 8 in Austria.

“It seems a wild track to be fair,” he admitted. “It's mental but excited to experience it. Going to be a real challenge and I think Qualifying is going to be important.

“The level of everyone in F1 is exceptionally high. It’s going to be a circuit where you need confidence. Very challenging, lots of high speed corners, aggressive kerbs. Going to be an experience for sure. Just try and keep out of the wall and build up to it.”