Madring receives acclaim from drivers as legal disputes increase.
"It’s a track for the driver with the most personality"
Formula 1’s new circuit in Madrid is receiving significant acclaim from drivers just days ahead of its debut, despite ongoing legal challenges surrounding the venue. Spanish Formula 3 driver Bruno del Pino, nephew of former F1 driver and Aston Martin ambassador Pedro de la Rosa, completed 93 laps at Madring during last week’s two-day F3 test and shared with Cadena SER that his initial impressions exceeded his expectations.
"When I viewed the track in pictures, I had mixed feelings, but after trying it in the simulator, I really enjoyed it."
"Experiencing it live from the cockpit is remarkable. The walls are incredibly close, and the sensation during the first few laps is indescribable."
Del Pino likened the circuit to a combination of Monaco and Jeddah, calling it "very enjoyable," although he anticipates that overtaking will be challenging.
"This won’t be like Spa or Jeddah, where overtaking is easier," noted the 20-year-old. "In Formula 1, with energy management, they’ll have a bit more flexibility, but we see it as a train."
Nonetheless, he believes the layout will favor aggressive drivers.
"It’s a track for the driver with the most character. For me, that could be Verstappen," Del Pino remarked.
The 550-meter banked La Monumental corner also left a strong impression on him.
"Physically, it’s demanding," he stated. "You truly feel it in your arms and neck because it resembles the corner at Zandvoort, but it’s significantly longer."
However, Auto Motor und Sport reports that challenges in the circuit's preparation are ongoing beyond the track. The 'Stop F1 Madrid' residents' group is preparing legal action regarding noise, air pollution, traffic disruptions, and the loss of green areas, while a separate copyright disagreement is taking place between circuit designers Dromo and Tilke.
The Cologne Regional Court has reportedly issued a preliminary injunction to restrict the reproduction of certain planning documents while the dispute continues. The inaugural Spanish GP at Madring is set for September 13.
Other articles
Vettel and Barrichello will take the wheel of Schumacher's F2002.
Formula 1 | This weekend at Monza, Sebastian Vettel and Rubens Barrichello will take the wheel of Michael Schumacher's iconic Ferrari F2002 as part of Ferrari's (…)
On the race day in Monza, there will be no free seats.
The organizers of the Italian Grand Prix announced during the stage presentation in Milan that all tickets for the Sunday race have been sold.
Qatar asserts that the F1 race will still proceed as planned.
Formula 1 | Qatar has sought to alleviate increasing concerns regarding the safe completion of its Middle Eastern schedule, emphasizing that preparations for (…)
Qatar maintains that the F1 race will still take place.
Formula 1 | Qatar has sought to ease increasing concerns regarding the safe completion of its Middle Eastern schedule, emphasizing that preparations for (…)
On the race day in Monza, there will be no free seats.
The organizers of the Italian Grand Prix announced during the stage presentation in Milan that all tickets for the Sunday race have been sold.
McCallough will start working at Red Bull in 2027.
Tom McCallou will join Red Bull at the beginning of the next season, where he will take Lambiaze's place as the head of the racing division.
Madring receives acclaim from drivers as legal disputes increase.
Formula 1 | The new Madrid circuit is receiving high acclaim from drivers just days ahead of its inaugural race, despite the ongoing legal challenges surrounding it.