The lack of references is considered the main weapon for Cadillac at the Spanish Grand Prix. For the first time in the 2026 Formula 1 season, all teams will have to start practically from scratch on a circuit, the Madring, in Madrid. The capital of Spain returns to host the category for the first time since 1981.
Read more F1: Aston Martin wraps up major updates and targets 2027 car
The new circuit is located on the outskirts of Madrid and was built especially for F1, combining street sections over 5.415 km, 22 corners, and significant elevation changes. One of the highlights is “La Monumental,” a 270-degree banked corner approximately 530 meters long.
No one knows exactly how the car will behave when it hits the track for the first time. Marcin Budkowski, Cadillac team principal, considers this factor one of the main attractions of the event:
“Our debut in Madrid is a journey into the unknown, and that is always exciting,” says Budkowski. “We analyzed Pirelli data, offline and online simulations, and used the same preparation tools we would for any other race — but with a new track, we never really know what we will find until the car completes the first lap. It is a weekend that tests the entire team, both on the track and in the factory, as we analyze data and adjust our setup parameters. For the first time this season, all teams will be on equal footing, and with that comes optimism and opportunity.”
Sergio Pérez also sees the new circuit as a different chance for all competitors: “I am very excited for Madrid. It is a new circuit for everyone, so that makes the challenge even more exciting and, hopefully, gives us some opportunities. From what we have seen, it looks like it will be fun but also demanding. Much will depend on where we are on the grid, but I am optimistic that we can make the most of the new track and put ourselves in a position to fight for a good result.”
Read more F1 today: Bortoleto aims for a comeback and Leclerc worries Ferrari before Madrid
Valtteri Bottas also hopes that the novelty of the circuit will help Cadillac find an advantage during the weekend. However, the driver points out another challenge: traffic, especially at the narrowest points of the layout.
“Madrid should be an interesting weekend. The circuit looks like it will be a big challenge for everyone and, hopefully, presents some opportunities for us. There are different characteristics throughout the lap, so it will be important to maintain our recent reliability improvements and understand the track as quickly as possible so we can focus on car setup. With these cars, managing traffic will be complicated, especially in some narrower sections, so we need to stay focused and take advantage of any opportunity that arises during the race. It is a new circuit for everyone, which, we hope, gives us a chance to find something and have a strong weekend.”
The Spanish GP takes place between September 11 and 13. F1MANIA.NET follows the event LIVE.
Read more F1: Pirelli points to Madrid among the most demanding tracks of the year
