'Insane' – What the F1 drivers make of the new Madring

F1 returns to Madrid for the first time in 45 years this weekend at the new, purpose-built Madring circuit. Combining public roads with permanent sections, the track features a unique banked corner called 'La Monumental' and has drawn significant excitement from the grid. Local hero Carlos Sainz expressed his enthusiasm for his first home race in Madrid, praising the track's flowing nature and diverse corner types. Fernando Alonso also highlighted the privilege of competing twice in Spain this season, noting the technical challenges of the new circuit which he compared to Jeddah's high-adrenaline, wall-lined sections. Drivers including Alpine’s Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto, along with Mercedes’ George Russell, emphasized the difficulty of the 15-turn layout. With its mix of high-speed sections, undulations, and tight turns, the paddock is preparing for a challenging weekend where rapid learning during practice will be crucial for success.