Nico Hülkenberg ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix: What Audi needs to do at the new Madrid circuit

The Madring, a challenging circuit with 22 corners, is the first new Grand Prix track since Formula 1 returned to the gamblers’ paradise of Las Vegas in 2023.

Madrid also marks a return for the premier class, as races were held at the Jarama circuit – 30 kilometres north of Madrid city centre – from the late 1960s to the early 1980s.

Now, however, the Formula 1 circus is making a stop at the IFEMA exhibition centre, and the new circuit is a real challenge, as Audi works driver Nico Hülkenberg is well aware. Ahead of his 263rd Grand Prix, the Emmerich-born driver says: “It’s always exciting to race on a brand-new circuit. Nobody really knows what to expect until the cars hit the track, so it’s one of those weekends where you have to adapt very quickly. Overall, we’ve been moving in the right direction in recent races, and if we get things sorted early on, we can put ourselves in a good position to finish the European part of the season on a high.”

His Brazilian team-mate Gabriel Bortoleto adds: “I’ve been preparing for Madrid in the simulator and I’m now looking forward to experiencing it for real. A new circuit is always exciting because everyone starts from a similar position and we’ll be learning new things all the time as the weekend progresses.”

Audi Sport Director Allan McNish says: “Madrid will be a challenge for all teams; there’s that extra element of the unknown when we’re racing on a track for the first time. That means we need to be effective in every practice session and improve as much as possible ahead of qualifying and the race.”

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Madrid: Das Rennen Re-Live

FIA Formula One World Championship

13.09.2026 - 17:30