Ferrari Gains Minimal Benefit from Madrid Street Circuit Test Ahead of Spanish GP

Lewis Hamilton commented that Ferrari derived virtually no benefit from testing Formula 1’s new Madring circuit ahead of the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix.

In July, Ferrari held a filming session at Madrid’s street circuit, running the SF‑26 under regulations that permit up to 200 km of running on Pirelli’s demonstration tires.

However, the circuit and its facilities still required considerable refinement at that point.

When asked about the advantage the test provided Ferrari, a skeptical Hamilton responded: “I think it’s hardly any. It was dusty, super super dusty, there was zero grip.

“We can’t change the car because it’s not a test, it was filming. We weren’t even flat out in many of the corners, we were just low power, low grip. The only one thing is I’ve seen which way the track goes. So, honestly, I don’t think any, to be honest.”

Similar to many of his rivals, and as evidenced by the Formula 3 race two weeks earlier, Leclerc anticipates that the new circuit will pose a significant challenge.

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari

Photo by: Madring

“Obviously I did a few laps, some laps behind a road car and two laps I think in a Formula 1 car, but with cameras all around and with a lot of dust on track,” the Monegasque remarked. “But it looked like a very challenging track and, I think, exactly the kind of track that I enjoy as a driver.”

“It’s true to say as well that I think [come] Sunday the amount of overtaking opportunities will be very little. But I think in qualifying it will be a very cool and challenging track for all drivers, and for that I’m looking forward to it.”

Race organisers described the July test as “the opportunity to test the logistics and coordination required for a Formula 1 event, with Ferrari operating under conditions closely resembling those of a grand prix weekend,” according to their press release.

“The Scuderia deployed personnel and equipment representative of a race weekend operation, enabling organisers to validate key operational procedures across the circuit.”

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