Lewis Hamilton downplayed any possible benefit for Ferrari after the squad held a promotional filming day at Madring—the new street circuit set to host Formula 1’s Spanish Grand Prix for the first time in September, between the 11th and 13th. The Briton hit back at comments from McLaren team principal Andrea Stella, asserting that conditions on track prevented any meaningful learning for the upcoming race weekend.
Ferrari brought Hamilton and Charles Leclerc to the Madrid circuit in July to fulfill one of the promotional filming days allowed under technical regulations. The track activity raised eyebrows among rivals, particularly McLaren, who claimed they had not been given prior notice regarding the run.
While acknowledging that Ferrari breached no rules, Stella argued there is always some benefit to sampling a venue before its official debut.
Hamilton, however, moved to extinguish the controversy. According to the seven-time World Champion, Ferrari completed only a handful of laps on a track still caked in dust while running on demo-specification tires, making it impossible to gather relevant data.
“It was just a few laps. Everything was very dusty, as you’d expect on a brand-new track, and there was zero grip. The tires were completely covered in dust the whole time,” he reported.
“Track temperatures were around 60°C. It feels like a circuit built for a single qualifying hot lap, with virtually no long straights. It also looks like it will be a fairly difficult place to overtake,” he assessed.
Asked about the possibility of taking Turn 12—known as La Monumental—flat out, Hamilton explained that it was impossible during the filming day precisely because of the poor surface conditions. Despite the limitations, the Briton revealed he enjoyed his initial taste of the layout and remains eager to experience it under proper racing conditions.
“Obviously, the circuit was still under construction, there was a lot of work going on and plenty of debris on track. But it seems like a cool layout,” he said.
“I like street circuits, and I felt it will be a pretty challenging street track with features I really enjoy. I’m looking forward to driving there for real when we get to the race weekend,” he concluded.
Formula 1 is currently on summer break. The series resumes 2026 season action from August 21 to 23 with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort.
