Ferrari Tackles Madring Circuit for the First Time with Charles Leclerc

Charles Leclerc, fresh off his victory at the British Grand Prix, was the first driver to navigate the all-new Madring circuit in a Formula 1 car. Ferrari took advantage of a filming day on Thursday morning to test the track, which will host the Spanish Grand Prix in 2026. The Madring blends public roads with permanent racing sections, offering a unique 20-turn layout.

Earlier this year, Carlos Sainz gave the world a sneak peek during a media tour, taking F1.com’s Lawrence Barretto for some spirited laps in a Ford Mustang. Now, Ferrari has brought the real deal to the track, with Leclerc taking the lead. The team shared a flurry of photographs and videos on social media, capturing their SF-26 in action.

Though filming day restrictions limited mileage and required the use of promotional Pirelli tyres, the session was a valuable opportunity for Leclerc, his teammate Lewis Hamilton, and the Ferrari team to gather initial insights on the new circuit. Hamilton was also slated to get some laps in, adding to Ferrari's early reconnaissance.

Ferrari arrived at Madring with momentum, having just celebrated a successful outing at Silverstone. Leclerc's win, complemented by Hamilton's third-place finish, certainly bolsters their championship aspirations for 2026.

While this was a low-key outing due to the constraints of a filming day, it sets the stage for what promises to be a fascinating addition to the F1 calendar. The Madring circuit will make its official debut during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend from September 11-13, 2026.