Ferrari Set for First F1 Running at New Madrid Street Circuit

Ferrari is preparing to run its SF-26 at the new Madring street circuit in Madrid this Thursday, becoming the first Formula 1 car to lap the layout ahead of its September debut. The filming day will see Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc share up to 200 kilometers of promotional running, giving the Scuderia early track knowledge while offering organizers a vital operational test.

Why it matters:

The event follows Ferrari's second victory in three rounds, with Charles Leclerc's Silverstone win adding to Lewis Hamilton's Barcelona triumph. Currently second in the constructors' standings and 78 points behind Mercedes, Ferrari is gathering momentum and needs every marginal gain. Securing an early look at the 5.416km circuit, with its 22 corners and distinctive banked section, could deliver a real advantage when the series returns in September.

The details:

• Until recently, the Madring remained an active construction site for grandstands and paddock infrastructure, making the swift organization of this filming day notable.
• The track surface itself is complete, and Ferrari's presence will serve as a key systems check ahead of the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix from September 11-13.
• Hamilton and Leclerc will split driving duties during the permitted 200km promotional window.
• Beyond data gathering, the session gives Ferrari a rare chance to refine setup assumptions for an entirely unknown venue.

What's next:

Ferrari will look to maintain its recent resurgence through the second half of the season as it chases Mercedes in both championships. The insights from this week's filming day could prove especially valuable at a venue where on-track experience will be scarce. With the final infrastructure touches now underway, attention turns to ensuring the Madring is fully prepared for its first grand prix.