Madrid

McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella acknowledges Ferrari's early data acquisition at the new Madring circuit, suggesting a "slight advantage" for the Scuderia ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix.

Scuderia Ferrari will become the first Formula 1 team to run on the new Madring street circuit in Madrid this Thursday, gaining crucial early data ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix in September.

Organisers insist Madrid’s new 5.47km MadRing circuit will be ready to host the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix in September, despite compressed construction timelines and unfinished infrastructure. The debut comes as Spain prepares to stage two Formula 1 races in a season for the first time.

Construction of the new Madring circuit for the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid has drawn a recent local protest, though with minimal turnout from the immediate area. This event unfolds against a backdrop of more significant, ongoing environmental and community opposition to the Formula 1 project.