Spain’s new Madring has yet to host its first Formula 1 race, but FIA F3 Championship leader Freddie Slater has already delivered an emphatic verdict on the country’s newest piece of racing real estate: this is a circuit that deserves to be taken seriously.
The 18-year-old British driver got an early taste of the 5.416-kilometre venue during F3’s two-day test ahead of the circuit’s official F1 debut on September 11-13.
And after topping the opening day, Slater emerged with plenty of enthusiasm for a track he believes has already captured something increasingly rare in modern motorsport.
“I think it was a really positive day,” said the Audi junior. “I think this track is incredible to drive, it's a bit old-school, got some interesting corners and it's got a lot of character to it.
“It's probably one of the most enjoyable on a push lap on the calendar. I'm just enjoying it. I'm having fun. Today has been a really positive day. I'm just learning about the track and trying to adapt my driving style to it and also adapt the car a bit to it.
“It's been a good learning day for the team, especially, which is very important, obviously, with a completely new track and no previous data to rely on. It's been a solid day so far.”
A circuit that demands commitment
The Madrid venue presents an unusual challenge for drivers heading into the Spanish capital. With no previous race data to lean on, teams and drivers are effectively building their understanding from scratch, making every lap during the F3 test particularly valuable.
Slater was also conscious that a new circuit with demanding corners requires drivers to resist the temptation to find the limit too quickly.
“I've actually had a couple of experiences around street tracks. Obviously, Macau, Monaco this year, and it's about going out, being on the limit, but not being too over the limit that you end up risking crashing,” he said.
©F3
“I think that was very important this morning to build up to it, to get multiple laps under the belt so you actually could work out what was going on.
“It's been a positive way of building up to it. I love the whole thing. I think it's incredible. I think it's one of the best tracks I’ve driven.
“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.
“I can't name a favourite part, but I do like the Turn 5 and 6 chicane.”
There is already plenty of anticipation surrounding the Madring, which will replace Barcelona as the home of the Spanish Grand Prix under a 10-year agreement with Formula 1.
Ferrari has already given the circuit its first F1 running, with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc sharing the SF-26 during a filming day in July. Williams driver Carlos Sainz also sampled the layout in May, becoming the first F1 driver to complete a lap there in a Ford Mustang GT.
Desde las alturas también se vive la emoción del motor ?️?
?Así se ve el nuevo circuito de @madring_oficial? con las pruebas de @Formula3 desde nuestra Unidad Aérea de la @policia
Velocidad y precisión con la #seguridad como protagonista?♂️ pic.twitter.com/CmIez0e69j
— Policía Nacional (@policia) August 25, 2026
Now, with aerial footage captured by local police during the F3 test offering another glimpse of the venue, Slater’s enthusiastic assessment has only added to the intrigue.
If the Madring can deliver the kind of racing its first visitors are already promising, Madrid may have created something rather special.
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