News Summary
- Max Verstappen said it is difficult to predict Red Bull’s performance at Madrid’s new F1 circuit because the team has only simulator data as a reference.
- The four-time world champion described the 5.4 km layout as challenging, with several difficult corners and unknown grip levels.
- Verstappen arrives in Madrid sixth in the Drivers’ Championship after taking third at Monza, while Red Bull sits fourth in the Constructors’ standings.
One of the biggest additions to the 2026 Formula 1 calendar, Madrid’s new street circuit will host the next round of the championship this weekend. Max Verstappen admitted he does not know how Red Bull will perform at the new venue, with simulator work providing the team’s only reference ahead of the first track action.
Located in the Valdebebas district around the IFEMA exhibition centre, the 5.4 km circuit combines purpose-built sections with public roads. The layout features 22 corners and is scheduled for 57 laps in the race, with a projected top speed of around 340 km/h.
The standout section is Turn 12, known as La Monumental. The corner stretches for approximately 550 metres and features a 13.5-degree banking.
Because the circuit is making its F1 debut, drivers have no real-world data from previous races to use as a benchmark. Verstappen, who finished third at last weekend’s Italian GP, said that makes it particularly difficult to anticipate Red Bull’s competitiveness.
“It was a great result for us in Monza. We really made the most of our performance to get a podium. Looking at Madrid this week, it’s difficult to know what our performance will be like there,” said the four-time world champion, who will once again share the Red Bull garage with Liam Lawson in Spain.
Verstappen highlights challenging corners
Verstappen has already driven the new layout extensively in the simulator, but he stressed that the real track could provide very different conditions once the cars hit the circuit on Friday.
“We’ve trained on the simulator and it seems to be a more challenging track to drive, as is the case with most street circuits, especially because it has so many tricky corners. We’ll also need to assess the grip level when we drive on Friday and improve from there,” he said.
The grip level will be particularly important during the first running at the circuit. With no previous F1 data, teams will have to establish the behaviour of the tyres, the evolution of the track surface and the balance of their cars from scratch.
That leaves the free practice sessions especially important for Red Bull, as Verstappen and Lawson will need to gather as much information as possible before qualifying.
“The free practice sessions will be important to learn as much as possible before qualifying. That said, it’s a new track for everyone and we hope we can get off to a good start and have a strong beginning,” Verstappen added.
Verstappen still searching for first win of 2026
Verstappen arrives in Madrid still without a victory in the 2026 season. The Dutchman is sixth in the Drivers’ Championship with 127 points, while Kimi Antonelli leads George Russell by 66 points after winning his home race at Monza.
Red Bull is fourth in the Constructors’ Championship with 204 points and will hope the characteristics of the new Madrid circuit provide a better opportunity to challenge Mercedes, McLaren and Ferrari.
Verstappen finished third at Monza after briefly taking the lead during the race, but later acknowledged that Red Bull lacked the straight-line speed needed to stay with Mercedes.
The Spanish GP will therefore provide another test of the team’s progress, although the absence of previous data means there is no clear indication yet of where the RB26 will stand against its rivals.
Formula 1 returns this weekend, September 11-13, for the Spanish GP at Madrid’s new street circuit. GRANDE PRÊMIO will follow all the action from the 14th round of the 2026 season.
FAQ
What is the Madrid F1 circuit like?
Madrid’s new circuit is 5.4 km long and features 22 corners. It combines purpose-built sections with public roads around the Valdebebas and IFEMA areas, with Turn 12’s La Monumental section featuring approximately 13.5 degrees of banking.
How is Max Verstappen doing in the 2026 F1 championship?
Verstappen is sixth in the Drivers’ Championship with 127 points after 13 rounds. He has yet to win a race in the 2026 season.
When is the 2026 Spanish GP?
The Spanish GP takes place from September 11-13 at Madrid’s new circuit. The race is scheduled for Sunday, September 13.
