Formula 1 is discovering the Madring this weekend and Max Verstappen expects a particularly tricky challenge. The Dutchman warns that some sections could cause big accidents.
Max Verstappen expects a particularly eventful first Madrid Grand Prix. Formula 1 will discover the Madring this weekend, a new street circuit that now hosts the Spanish Grand Prix, and the first experiences on the track suggest a considerable challenge for the drivers.
Fast, lined with walls, and particularly difficult to master, the Madrid circuit will leave very little room for error. Verstappen has already had the opportunity to discover it on a simulator and his verdict is unequivocal: achieving a perfect lap will be extremely complicated and some mistakes could have serious consequences.
Already 19 red flags in Formula 3
Concerns about the Madring are not only based on simulations carried out by Formula 1 drivers. A recent Formula 3 test held on the new track gave a first glimpse of the difficulties awaiting the competitors.
No fewer than 19 red flags were deployed in just two days of running. Eleven of these interruptions were directly related to contacts with the barriers, a figure that illustrates the low margin for error offered by the circuit.
With much faster Formula 1 cars, the question of accidents naturally arose before the weekend began. Verstappen also believes that several sectors could hold unpleasant surprises.
“It can cause big accidents”
The four-time world champion will not, however, arrive completely in the unknown. He has already worked on the track from home, but also thanks to Red Bull’s Formula 1 simulator.
“Yes, I have tried it and we also have it on the Formula 1 simulator. It’s going to be very difficult, it’s really not an easy circuit.”
The main challenge will be, according to him, to link all the sectors without making the slightest mistake. Even after several laps, Verstappen explains that it remains particularly difficult to feel like you have exploited the full potential of the car.
“When you string together a few laps, it’s always hard to cross the line saying: ‘I really nailed my lap.’ It’s very complicated.”
And some sections of the Madring could especially prove to be particularly unforgiving.
“There is also a tendency to cause big accidents in certain places.”
Verstappen compares Madrid to Jeddah
To describe the new Spanish circuit, Verstappen makes a comparison with another particularly feared street circuit: Jeddah. The Saudi circuit is known for its extremely fast sequences lined with walls, where a small mistake can immediately turn into a major accident.
Madrid would present some similar characteristics. The combination of fast corners and barriers very close to the racing line should require great precision from the drivers, especially when they start pushing the limits in qualifying.
“It reminds me a bit of Jeddah, with fast corners and walls that are very close,” summarizes Verstappen.
A comparison far from trivial since Jeddah has been among the most demanding circuits of the season since its arrival on the calendar.
A new challenge for the drivers
Formula 1 has multiplied urban events in recent years with the arrival of Jeddah, Miami, and Las Vegas. The Madring now completes this list, but its discovery represents an additional challenge since no driver yet has real race experience on this track.
The first free practice sessions will therefore be particularly important. Drivers will have to learn the racing lines, identify areas where it is possible to take more risks, and precisely understand the limits imposed by the walls.
The evolution of the track could also play an important role throughout the weekend. On a new street circuit, grip generally increases as cars lay down rubber, which forces drivers to constantly reassess their reference points.
A first winner to be inscribed in history
Beyond the risks, the first Grand Prix held at the Madring obviously represents a special occasion. The one who wins on Sunday will become the very first winner of a Formula 1 race on the Madrid circuit.
Verstappen will obviously hope to inscribe his name on the roll of honor, a few days after returning to the podium in Monza. Red Bull showed encouraging progress in Italy, even if the RB22 still suffered against the Mercedes on the straights.
The much more varied characteristics of Madrid could change the hierarchy, but before thinking about victory, it will be necessary to master a circuit that Verstappen considers particularly difficult.
The 19 red flags observed during the Formula 3 tests already constitute a serious warning. And with its fast corners lined with walls, the Madring reminds Verstappen enough of Jeddah for the Dutchman to expect to see “big accidents” during this first Formula 1 weekend in Madrid.
Read more The harsh reality for Ferrari at Monza pushes Maranello to a radical decision