Lewis Hamilton doubts Ferrari gained any meaningful advantage from its test at the new Madring circuit ahead of this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix. The only team to have driven the Madrid street track admitted they felt no significant benefit.
Ferrari conducted a filming day at the Madrid street circuit in July, running its SF-26 with 200km of demonstration tyres provided by Pirelli. However, the track and infrastructure were far from perfect at the time.
“I think it's hardly any,” said a sceptical Lewis Hamilton. “It was dusty, super super dusty, there was zero grip. We can't change the car because it's not a test, it was filming. We weren't even flat out in many of the corners, we were just low power, low grip. The only one thing is I've seen which way the track goes. So, honestly, I don't think any, to be honest.”
His teammate Charles Leclerc echoed similar sentiments. Despite only completing a few laps behind a road car and two laps in an F1 car, he acknowledged the track's challenge. “It looked like a very challenging track and, I think, exactly the kind of track that I enjoy as a driver,” said Charles Leclerc. “It's true to say as well that I think [come] Sunday the amount of overtaking opportunities will be very little. But I think in qualifying it will be a very cool and challenging track for all drivers, and for that I'm looking forward to it.”
The July test was described by race organisers as “the opportunity to test the logistics and coordination required for a Formula 1 event, with Ferrari operating under conditions closely resembling those of a grand prix weekend.” The team deployed personnel and equipment representative of a race weekend operation, enabling organisers to validate key operational procedures across the circuit.
Nevertheless, the dusty and low-grip conditions meant the data collected was not optimal. Moreover, the filming day did not allow for significant car setup changes. As a result, Ferrari must start from scratch when free practice begins.
Competition at the Spanish Grand Prix is expected to be fierce. The new Madring circuit offers a unique challenge with its narrow street character and sharp corners. Other drivers like Max Verstappen and Lando Norris will also need to adapt quickly. Ferrari hopes to maximise the limited data to compete at the front.
With minimal advantage from the test, Ferrari needs to work extra hard. Hamilton and Leclerc must rely on simulation and experience to conquer this new track. The race weekend will be the true test for the Maranello team.
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