Skip to content
https://shop.fervogear.com/cart
Charles Leclerc Reveals Insider Insights on New F1 Circuit
Highlights
- Leclerc and Hamilton tested Madrid F1 track early on July 9
- Ferrari ran SF-26 car on Pirelli demonstration tyres
- Madring circuit features 22 corners with steep 24% banked turn
- La Monumental corner expected to generate around 4G lateral force
- Spanish Grand Prix at Madring set for September 13, 2026
- Leclerc compared La Monumental to iconic corners like Eau Rouge
Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton sampled Madrid’s new F1 venue on July 9, a filming day that gives Ferrari early familiarity before the Spanish Grand Prix on September 13.
Ferrari ran the SF-26 on Pirelli demonstration tyres, completing the FIA’s 200km allowance. That limits performance learning, but offers valuable driver feedback, systems checks, and early correlation for simulation models.
Ferrari completed the full 200km filming-day limit on Pirelli demonstration tyres.
The circuit remained under construction, with dust reducing grip. Leclerc followed an Alfa Romeo Stelvio to scout lines around the 5.416km IFEMA-based layout, which behaves like a complex city track.
Madring’s 22-corner configuration blends tunnels with notable elevation change. The defining feature is La Monumental, a sweeping right-hander intended to test commitment and reward precise balance through sustained load.
At 547 metres with 24% banking, La Monumental should generate 4G for about six seconds. That asks a lot of tyres and driver, echoing corners like Eau Rouge or Maggotts-Becketts.
La Monumental’s 24% banking is designed to deliver near-constant 4G for around six seconds.
Leclerc expects qualifying to demand bravery, with a grandstand magnifying the spectacle. He contrasted it with Zandvoort’s final corner, judging Madring slower, and Turn 3 similar in feel but different.
Sustained banking shifts setup priorities toward lateral energy management, camber, pressures, and cooling. Ferrari’s recent upgrades target operating windows, which could prove useful if temperatures spike and grip evolves rapidly.
Leclerc enjoys city circuits and expects Madring to suit him, but only under representative conditions. His recent qualifying warning underlines how commitment will dictate lap time around La Monumental.
Early mileage gives Ferrari reference points for ride heights, brake temperatures, and energy deployment. Rivals will close the gap with simulator work and shakedowns, but first-hand track knowledge carries value.
Early on-track mileage provides valuable correlation data, even with dusty, non-representative conditions.
With the Spanish Grand Prix fixed for September 13, teams refine models and plan upgrades. Leclerc’s confidence, and Ferrari’s latest win, frame Madring as a timely examination of 2026 form.
Visual Summary
22
Corners • 5.4km Circuit
Charles Leclerc
Ferrari Early Test
Ferrari Early Test
La Monumental
547m • 24% Bank
547m • 24% Bank
4G
6 seconds at max grip
6 seconds at max grip
“Challenging, city circuit with character.
La Monumental could be iconic. Bravery required!”
La Monumental could be iconic. Bravery required!”
🏁 July 9: Ferrari first test
Sept 13: Race Day!
Ferrari’s Head Start + New Madrid Challenge Awaits
Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.
