Formula 1 drivers have raised alarm over the new Madrid circuit hosting this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix, after Lewis Hamilton crashed into a protective wall during final practice and several other drivers described the track as unusually dangerous.
Madrid is staging the Spanish Grand Prix for the first time this year, taking over from Barcelona, which had hosted the race until now. The event runs from 11 to 13 September 2026 on the Madring, a 5.41-kilometre semi-urban circuit built in the Spanish capital's suburbs, close to Real Madrid's training complex. The layout has drawn criticism from drivers because its walls sit very close to the racing line.
Max Verstappen, the Red Bull driver, said on Thursday that the track was difficult to drive. He said that behind the wheel he felt sensations fairly close to those he sometimes experiences at Jeddah, in certain sections, though he noted Jeddah is faster on average because of its corners, while the positioning of the walls at the two circuits is quite similar. Jeddah's Corniche Circuit, which hosts the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, is known as one of the fastest street tracks on the calendar, with barriers running tight against the tarmac.
Verstappen and Russell issue warnings
Verstappen added that he understood there had been many accidents during Formula 3 testing at the venue. He said it was therefore not an easy circuit and that mistakes happen quickly given the layout of the track. He noted that drivers have to run over certain kerbs, which is not usually a strength of his car, but that his team would do their best.
His comments reflected a wider sense among drivers that the Madrid weekend could turn into one of the most stressful of the season. George Russell, who drives for Mercedes, also described the circuit as very difficult.
Hamilton crashes in final practice
Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion who joined Ferrari for the 2025 season, locked his brakes going into the final corner during the third free practice session and went straight on, hitting a protective wall. The incident forced organisers to halt the session for more than thirty minutes while barriers were repaired.
Footage and commentary shared on social media, including a post from an account called Crise na Ferrari, described Hamilton locking a wheel and crashing, then trying to return to the pits with his front wing trapped underneath the car. According to the post, Ferrari radioed him to stop, but Hamilton kept driving and only pulled over once the race director ordered him to halt.
A circuit built for speed and controversy
The Madring's tight margins for error have made it one of the most talked-about additions to the Formula 1 calendar this season. Its proximity to Real Madrid's training base has already given it a high profile in Spain, but the early accidents and driver complaints suggest the layout itself will be the main story of the weekend.
The Spanish Grand Prix continues through 13 September, with the race itself still to come after a practice schedule already marked by Hamilton's crash and pointed criticism from some of the grid's most experienced drivers.
