Piastri warns drivers could 'write off cars' at new Madrid circuit

Oscar Piastri believes the new Madring street circuit has the "potential to be fun" but warns drivers could "write off a few cars" if they push too hard.

Why it matters:

The Madrid circuit debuts this weekend after an F3 test produced 19 red flags. Piastri's caution highlights the risk of pushing too hard on a new street track.

The details:

• Piastri has only driven the Madring on the simulator, with his first track walk coming later on Thursday.
• He says the layout has "a bit of everything" – slow, medium and high-speed corners – but the heavy kerb usage seen in F3 photos is a concern.
• He joked that if drivers try to replicate his sim laps, "everybody will be writing off a few cars."

The big picture:

McLaren had a tough Monza with straight-line speed the main issue, but after wins in Hungary and the Netherlands, Piastri expects the Madring's mix of corners to suit the MCL39 better. He hopes to fight for a podium and "hopefully for the win."

What's next:

Practice on Friday will show how the track and cars interact. If the F3 test is anything to go by, expect plenty of yellow flags.