The new Madrid circuit set to host the Spanish Grand Prix from 11-13 has received high praise from Formula 3 championship leader Freddie Slater. The Audi Academy driver described the track as ‘incredible’ during a pre-season test held on 24-25 August 2026.
Replacing Barcelona as the host of the Spanish Grand Prix, the Madring track is a 3.365-mile street circuit featuring 22 corners around the IFEMA Exhibition Centre. The circuit combines both private and public roads, offering a unique challenge for drivers. Slater’s positive feedback comes as the Formula 3 series prepares for its season finale in Madrid.
The Thrill of the New Circuit
Slater, who topped day one for Trident with a lap time of 1m50.343s expressed his enthusiasm for the new track. ‘I think this track is incredible to drive,’ he said. ‘It’s a bit old-school, got some interesting corners, and it’s got a lot of character to it.’ The British driver compared the circuit favorably to other iconic tracks like Monaco and Macau highlighting its character and enjoyment factor.
The Formula 3 test at Madring was crucial for teams to gather data, as the circuit is entirely new with no previous data to rely on. Slater emphasized the importance of adapting his driving style and car setup to the unique demands of the track. ‘It’s been a good learning day for the team, especially with a completely new track and no previous data to rely on,’ he noted.
Competitive Testing and Future Races
On the second day of testing, Ugo Ugochukwu of Campos Racing set the fastest time with a 1m49.034s lap. The test provided valuable insights for the upcoming races, with the Monza round scheduled for 5-6 September and the Madrid finale on 12-13 September. Slater currently leads the F3 standings by eight points over Ugochukwu, adding stakes to the final races of the season.
The Madring circuit has already drawn comparisons to other street circuits like Monaco and Macau, known for their challenging layouts and high entertainment value. Slater particularly enjoyed the Turn 5 and 6 chicane showcasing the track’s diverse and engaging design. As the first Spanish Grand Prix at Madring approaches, the positive feedback from drivers like Slater bodes well for an exciting event.
The Character of Madring
The Madring circuit has been designed to offer a mix of high-speed sections and technical corners, creating a dynamic racing experience. The inclusion of a long banked corner, known as ‘The Monumental,’ adds a unique element to the track, with spectators both inside and outside the corner to create a stadium-like atmosphere.
Slater’s admiration for the track extends to its ‘Like all the best tracks, like your Macau’s, your Monaco’s, the tracks that have got character, and I think that’s what’s the most special thing that they’ve done here,’ he remarked. This character is expected to make the Madrid Grand Prix a memorable addition to the Formula 1 calendar.
As the final preparations for the Madring round continue, the positive feedback from drivers like Slater highlights the circuit’s potential to become a favorite among both competitors and fans. The combination of a challenging layout and a vibrant atmosphere promises an exciting conclusion to the 2026 Formula 3 season.
