After the Formula 3 practice sessions, the new Madrid circuit has already shown some points that may require attention from Formula 1 in September. In the first official sessions with race pace, the Madring had 19 red flag interruptions and ten different drivers involved in incidents.
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Turn 17 was one of the main points of concern, with two. The section starts a sequence of 90-degree corners in a “staircase” shape, with walls close at the entry and exit and a tunnel right after. Despite the runoff area in the middle of the corner, the first signs indicate that forcing the braking at this point may not be a good choice.
Turns five and six also caused two red flags. The sector goes around a roundabout in a tight and aggressive left-right-left chicane. The layout resembles the old Singapore Sling, removed from the Singapore Grand Prix circuit. The sector tends to represent greater danger when drivers are at the car’s limit, such as in qualifying.
Turn seven was responsible for three incidents. It comes after a blind crest and requires a change of direction from left to right, followed by another left corner. A nearby wall on the exit increases the risk.
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On the first day, Christian Ho, Fernando Barrichello, Jin Nakamura, Gladysz, and Freddie Slater were involved in the five contacts that caused red flags. Turns three, 10, 11, and 14 each had an incident, probably due to the low grip conditions of the tires.
After a day of Ferrari filming, F3 was the first category to complete laps on the Madring at race pace. Now, Formula 1 will make its debut on the circuit between September 11 and 13.
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