F1 debut at the Madring: safety car deployments, red flags and chaos?

A quick glance at the track layout is enough to show that the Formula 1 drivers face a particular challenge this week. The circuit at the IFEMA exhibition centre on the outskirts of the Spanish capital is a real test; it officially comprises 22 corners, although two hairpin bends are marked 5A and 20A, bringing the total to 24 corners.

Of the current field, only three drivers have driven the circuit, with local hero Carlos Sainz having driven a road car, whilst the Ferrari duo of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton put their foot down during a film shoot. Sainz, who helped develop the circuit’s signature bend, La Monumental, says: “It’s a very special hairpin. In qualifying, we’ll have to be – to put it mildly – very brave there.”

“Because we’ll be pushing the limits there. It’s going to be really cool, I think, and I believe it has the potential to be one of the iconic corners on the entire World Championship calendar,” says the son of the rally legend of the same name with confidence. When asked whether, given the 19 red flags during the two-day Formula 3 test at the Madring, we can expect a chaotic Grand Prix, the Spaniard explains: “If you look at the track and hear what went on during the Formula 3 test, I think we can expect plenty of safety car periods, red flags and yellow flags in qualifying.”

One thing is certain: the circuit is a real challenge. “The way the circuit is laid out makes it one of the toughest tracks in Formula 1. It reminds me of Jeddah, it reminds me of Baku, and in some respects, Macau too. Driving this circuit in an F1 car with 1,000 PS will be an interesting challenge.”

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