Ferrari Gains Early Madring Edge with Hamilton and Leclerc

Ferrari is set to become the first Formula 1 team to run on the Madring when Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc take to Madrid’s new street circuit on Thursday, according to information from RacingNews365.

The Scuderia is scheduled to conduct a filming day at the venue, which will host the Spanish Grand Prix for the first time in September. Although filming days are limited by regulation to a maximum of 200 kilometres, the outing still gives Ferrari early access to a circuit that remains an unknown quantity for every team on the grid.

The SF-26 will be the first modern Formula 1 car to turn a wheel on the 5.416-kilometre layout. Madring features 22 corners and a distinctive elevated section, giving the new street circuit a clearly defined technical profile.

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With Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc sharing duties, Ferrari can begin forming an early understanding of the circuit’s characteristics well before the September race weekend. That information carries added value because there is no historical data available for teams to benchmark performance.

The timing of Ferrari’s visit is also notable. Until recently, several areas of the Madring remained under construction, with paddock infrastructure and spectator facilities still being completed at the time of a recent media visit.

The track surface itself is ready, however, and Ferrari’s arrival on Thursday will act as a practical confirmation of that status. For the Madring organisers, having a current Formula 1 car complete laps of the circuit also represents an important operational test before Madrid stages its first world championship round.

From a technical perspective, the opportunity gives Ferrari an early chance to gather limited insight into braking points, kerb behaviour, and the circuit layout before its rivals have run at the venue. The advantage remains restricted by filming day mileage, but on a new circuit with no historical reference, even a small amount of information could carry competitive value heading into the Spanish Grand Prix.