Watch: First onboard lap of the Madring F1 track

F1 has released the first onboard lap of the Madring circuit, giving fans a first look around the new Madrid track that will host the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix. The footage shows the 5.47km, 20-corner layout built around IFEMA, mixing permanent track with street sections.

Why it matters:

The Madring replaces the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, ending a run of more than three decades as the Spanish GP's home. It is a more enclosed layout, with walls close to the racing line, and early driver reactions suggest mistakes will be punished heavily.

The details:

• The layout is a hybrid, combining a purpose-built infield with temporary street sections.
• The onboard footage reveals a long start-finish straight and several low-speed corners that could create overtaking chances.
• Verstappen: Max Verstappen has compared the track to a street circuit, warning it can "result in a crash" if drivers push too hard.
• Piastri: Oscar Piastri doubts the track will feel the same in real life as in simulation, and warned cars could be "written off" in practice or qualifying.
• Hamilton: Lewis Hamilton completed a Ferrari filming day at the circuit and said the main benefit was track familiarisation.

What's next:

Teams have no previous F1 race data at the Madring, so Friday practice will be crucial. The race is set for 13 September, with the field facing the circuit for the first time for real. Expect track limits debates and possibly a few incidents.