George Russell warns about Madring: “The riskiest circuit on the calendar”

Just how turbulent, wild or even dangerous will this race weekend at the Madring circuit near Madrid really be? Ahead of the maiden race at the new Spanish Grand Prix circuit, there is much discussion about the nuances and challenges of the track. Ferrari have already conducted a test here, and the Formula 3 drivers have also been testing. Things got rather chaotic for the junior drivers, with 20 red flags. Otherwise, apart from simulator sessions, the Madring is completely uncharted territory for the Formula 1 drivers – and the circuit looks demanding and full of all sorts of challenges (SPEEDWEEK.com has already visited the circuit – you can find the report with photos here). What lies in store for Formula 1 there?

Mercedes driver George Russell said during his media session ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix: “When I heard about the 20 red flags in Formula 3, I was a bit surprised. But when I then drove the circuit in the simulator, I was actually more surprised that there were only 20 red flags. It’s a mad circuit.” In the paddock, bets are already being placed on how many red flags there will be across all Formula 1 sessions over the weekend.

Is Madring the riskiest circuit on the calendar?

What makes the Madring so challenging? Russell: “I’d even go so far as to say it’s the riskiest track on the entire calendar. You’ve got really fast corners, just like in Jeddah. The walls are close by; there’s no room for error. Other corners are more like Baku, where you go from high speed into slow braking zones. You’re braking and steering at the same time. So it’s easy for the wheels to lock up.»

Russell: “It won’t be an easy weekend”

Russell, who is involved with the drivers’ union GPDA, is naturally sensitive to safety issues. However, he says: “I’m looking forward to giving it a go. It’ll be very challenging for us as drivers. Overtaking will be difficult in the race. So it won’t be an easy weekend.”

Formula 1 has its first session of the race weekend today, Friday, from 1.30 pm. The junior series, Formula 2 and Formula 3, were already out on track this morning. At 10.39 am, the first red flag of the day was waved following an accident involving Lacorte in F3.

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