Formula 1 will have a new circuit on the calendar with the Spanish GP in Madrid, and Charles Leclerc believes that one of its sections has the potential to become one of the most remarkable of the season. The Ferrari driver shared his first impressions after experiencing the Madring during a test held in July.
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The Italian team gained an advantage over competitors by using a filming day on the new layout, completing the 200 km allowed by FIA regulations, with the SF-26 equipped with Pirelli demonstration tires. Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton completed laps on the 5.416 km circuit, which was still under construction.
In a statement to the press, the Monegasque explained that the track conditions were far from ideal, but approved the circuit design: “I did a few laps behind a Stelvio, or whatever that car was. There was still a lot of construction and dirt on the track. But it looks like a very cool circuit, and I love street tracks. The impression was of a very challenging urban layout, with characteristics I really like. I can’t wait to really try it out on race weekend,” he said.
The Madring will have 22 corners, tunnels, and elevation changes, but the main highlight is the La Monumental corner, a long right-hand turn with 547 meters and a 24% incline, the limit allowed by the FIA. When asked if the section could reach the status of historic Formula 1 corners, Leclerc responded positively.
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“It’s a very special corner. I think, in qualifying, we will have to be very brave because it will be a section on the edge. I believe it can become one of the most iconic corners of the season, especially when the grandstand is ready,” he added.
Leclerc also compared La Monumental with banked corners from the Dutch GP, but highlighted important differences. According to him, the Spanish corner does not seem to be taken with the accelerator fully open, unlike the final corner at Zandvoort. Despite this, he showed enthusiasm for the challenge: “I always like street tracks. One thing is certain, it will require full commitment in driving, and that is something I always appreciate in this type of circuit,” he concluded.
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