A new circuit like Macau, Zandvoort, Baku or Jeddah? Here’s what to expect at the Madring

What lies in store for the Formula 1 drivers in Madrid this weekend? From Friday, racing will take place for the first time on the new ‘Madring’ circuit in north-east Madrid. The circuit was only completed this year, and apart from one test session, no Formula 1 cars have yet driven on it. The circuit is, in the truest sense of the word, uncharted territory for the Formula 1 teams and drivers.

Is this an advantage for the rookie? Arvid Lindblad of Racing Bulls is the only F1 debutant in 2026. The Madring is new to everyone – so perhaps this presents an opportunity for the Briton.

Lindblad on the circuit: “It’s exciting that it’s a new track for everyone, especially in such a great city. Hopefully it’ll be a good show and the fans will enjoy it.”

Is Madring like Macau or Jeddah?

Lindblad has already had a go at it digitally: “I’ve driven the circuit in the simulator, and it’s quite demanding. The best comparisons that spring to mind are Macau and Jeddah, as you’re constantly on your toes behind the wheel – with lots of corners and little time to catch your breath. It’s a very technical layout, so it’ll be a major challenge for both the teams and the drivers, with plenty to learn and improve upon. It also looks as though overtaking manoeuvres could be difficult, as there aren’t many long straights. So it will be really important to make the most of our track time right from the start of the weekend and gather as much data as possible.”

Intensive and twisty, just like Macau and Jeddah, says Lindblad. In a way, you can also spot two other circuits in the Madring: The mixed layout, with long, fast straights and 90-degree corners in one section and slow, tight corners in the other, is reminiscent of Baku. The circuit there is also divided into two parts: one section runs through the city’s urban canyons and the other through the narrow old town.

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You can also spot a hint of Zandvoort on the Madring: the GP circuit in the Netherlands has two banked, steep corners which the drivers negotiate on an incline. The Madring goes one better than all of that: Turn 12, known as ‘Monumental’, is now the longest steep corner on the Formula 1 calendar at 550 metres with a 24 per cent gradient. A colourful mix, then – blended into an exciting circuit that may well surprise us this weekend.