Hamilton and Leclerc to test Madrid F1 circuit as Ferrari gains early advantage

Ferrari is set to become the first Formula 1 team to run on the new Madrid street circuit this week, with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc sharing driving duties during a filming day on Thursday. The outing will mark the first time a modern F1 car has turned a wheel on the 5.416-kilometre Madring, giving the Scuderia a rare head start on a venue that remains an entirely unknown quantity for the grid ahead of its September debut.

Why it matters:

With no historical data available for the 22-corner track, even limited running under filming day rules offers a meaningful competitive advantage. Ferrari can begin building an early picture of braking points, kerb behaviour, and the circuit's distinctive elevated section while rivals are still confined to the simulator. For the organizers, the session also doubles as a vital operational test to identify any facility issues well before the championship arrives in earnest.

The details:

• Filming days are capped at 200 kilometres, but having both race drivers participate maximizes the limited window for learning.
• The layout features 22 corners and a distinctive elevated section that will present unique setup challenges.
• Until recently, the Madring remained an active construction site, with paddock infrastructure still incomplete during a recent media visit.
• The circuit surface is now fully ready, and Ferrari's appearance this week will confirm its condition ahead of the inaugural race.

What's next:

The data gathered from Thursday will feed directly into Ferrari's September race preparations, potentially informing setup and strategy long before official practice begins. While 200 kilometres offers only a preliminary snapshot, in a championship where marginal gains often decide races, that early familiarity could prove invaluable when the grid finally converges on Madrid.