Story perspectives

Hulkenberg Warns Drivers Must Adapt Fast to Madrid Circuit

9/10/2026

Summary

Audi Targets Points

Audi Revolut F1 Team targets points at the Spanish Grand Prix on the new Madrid circuit.
Allan McNish, Audi Racing Director, says effective preparation and maximizing practice sessions are crucial for Madrid.
Nico Hulkenberg warns drivers must adapt quickly during practice on the brand-new circuit.
Gabriel Bortoleto, after testing the Madrid layout in the simulator, feels optimistic following Monza.

Summary

Madrid Hosts F1

Madrid signed a 10-year agreement in 2024 to host the Spanish Grand Prix through 2035.
The inaugural Madring Grand Prix will run September 11-13, 2026, as the circuit’s first Formula 1 event.
La Monumental corner features a 550-metre banked turn with a 24 % gradient, the longest on the calendar.
Public transport links Madring to Barajas Airport via Metro Line 8, commuter rail and buses, eliminating general parking.

Summary

FIA Sets Zones

FIA confirmed two straight-mode zones on the start/finish straight and the straight after Turn 3.
2026 rules replace DRS with active-aero zones, disabling wing adjustments in sectors 2 and 3.
MotoGP deputy chief executive Carlos Ezpeleta says the Madring layout is unsuitable for grand-prix motorcycles.
Red Bull driver Isack Hadjar misses his third race after a boxing-related wrist fracture.
Forecasts call for dry, sunny sessions with race-day highs of 33 °C, affecting hybrid power-unit strategy.

History

Historical Context

The 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, inaugurated that year, marked Formula 1’s first purpose-built street circuit and introduced night racing under floodlights. The race generated US$120 million in tourism revenue, with Singapore’s Tourism Board, FIA, and Mercedes-AMG collaborating to showcase the city-state’s infrastructure. Similarly, Madrid’s 2024 ten-year hosting pact echoes Singapore’s 2008 agreement, urging Audi, Red Bull and Carlos Ezpeleta to tailor setups for the 550-metre La Monumental turn. The precedent shows pioneering circuits can reshape aerodynamic rules and commercial models, prompting the FIA to refine active-aero zones while cities leverage motorsport for branding.

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Audi Targets Points

Audi Revolut F1 Team targets points at the Spanish Grand Prix on the new Madrid circuit.
Allan McNish, Audi Racing Director, says effective preparation and maximizing practice sessions are crucial for Madrid.
Nico Hulkenberg warns drivers must adapt quickly during practice on the brand-new circuit.
Gabriel Bortoleto, after testing the Madrid layout in the simulator, feels optimistic following Monza.

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