News Summary
- Pierre Gasly believes a red flag is almost certain during Formula 1’s first race at Madrid’s new Madring circuit.
- The Alpine driver said the simulator gave him a clear idea of the track’s walls, blind corners, elevation changes and unusual braking zones.
- Gasly compared Madring with Monaco and expects small mistakes to have immediate consequences during the Spanish GP.
Pierre Gasly has already experienced Formula 1’s new Madrid circuit virtually and believes the first Spanish Grand Prix at Madring is likely to feature a red flag.
The Alpine driver said the simulator provided a useful first impression of the 5.47 km, 22-corner layout, but he expects the real challenge to come from the track’s evolution and the limited margin for error.
Gasly, who started the Italian GP from pole position at Monza, was unequivocal when asked about the possibility of a red flag during the Madrid race.
“I’d bet on a red flag. That’s for sure,” Gasly said during Thursday’s press conference in Madrid, attended by GRANDE PRÊMIO.
He said the simulator experience was enjoyable but also showed just how difficult it could be to find the limit around the new circuit.
“In terms of driving, on the simulator, it was quite fun and exciting. I got a good feeling and felt pretty much every wall at every corner. So, actually, I know what to do and what not to do. But it will be a big challenge, especially in terms of how much the track evolves,” the Alpine driver added.
Madring presents unusual challenges
Madring was built around Madrid’s IFEMA exhibition centre and the Valdebebas area, combining sections around the exhibition complex with public roads. Formula 1 has a contract to hold the Spanish GP in Madrid from 2026 through 2035.
The circuit’s first indications of how demanding it could be came before the F1 weekend. Ferrari encountered a dusty surface during a filming day at the venue, while the Formula 3 field later recorded 19 red flags during its August 26 test, with 11 of those stoppages caused by crashes.
Gasly expects the track to change significantly as rubber is laid down and grip levels improve throughout the weekend.
“The track will certainly evolve a lot, and there will be some fairly unusual braking zones that aren’t completely straight — twisty corners, with many sections of tight corners. Lots of corners, blind corners, banking, uphill and downhill sections and bumps all around the track,” he said.
“That’s why I expect a very complicated and challenging track for us, which is good, because you can always try to make a difference with your driving,” Gasly added.
The Frenchman believes the characteristics could make driver confidence especially important during qualifying, when the margins between a competitive lap and an accident will be particularly small.
Gasly compares Madrid with Monaco
Formula 1 already has a circuit where even a small mistake can immediately end a driver’s session or race: Monaco. Gasly believes Madring could create a similar dynamic.
“It’s a type of track like Monaco, where I think if there’s a small mistake, the consequences will be serious and immediate. It’s exciting. At the same time, I think it will be quite a hectic weekend, given how easy it is for a crash to happen,” Gasly concluded.
Madring’s combination of tight corners, walls, elevation changes and the banked La Monumental section will provide the entire F1 field with a new challenge. With no previous Grand Prix data at the circuit, Friday’s practice sessions will be crucial for teams to understand tyre behaviour and establish the competitive order.
The Spanish GP takes place from September 11-13 and will be the 14th round of the 2026 F1 season. GRANDE PRÊMIO will cover Formula 1’s first race at the new Madrid circuit.
FAQ
Why does Pierre Gasly expect a red flag at the 2026 Spanish GP?
Gasly believes Madring offers very little room for error, with walls close to the racing line, blind corners, elevation changes and several unusual braking zones. The Formula 3 test at the circuit also produced 19 red flags, including 11 caused by crashes.
What is Madring like?
Madring is a 5.47 km, 22-corner circuit in Madrid, combining sections around the IFEMA exhibition centre and Valdebebas. The layout also features the banked La Monumental section and several changes in elevation.
When is the 2026 Spanish GP?
The Spanish Grand Prix takes place from September 11-13 at Madring in Madrid. Qualifying is scheduled for Saturday at 4:00pm local time, while the race starts at 3:00pm on Sunday.
