New F1 circuits always have a raised level of excitement and anticipation. In the scheme of things, many have come and gone – think Korea International Circuit in South Korea, Buddh International circuit in India, Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, Indianapolis Road Circuit in the USA and Valencia Street Circuit in Spain.
This weekend it is the Circuito de Madring, the seventh Spanish circuit to host a Formula One race. Known as the Madring, it is a hybrid circuit around the IFEMA Exhibition Centre in Madrid, Spain. It’s heralded for a huge spectator capacity, its 22 corners and fast technical sections. All to be confirmed by the end of the weekend.
This weekend will also see both FIA F2 and F3 Championship rounds. The FIA F3 held a recent test at the circuit and appeared to be alarmed by the huge number of red flags over the sessions and resulting damage.
Liam Lawson is back for a third time this season in the Oracle Red Bull Racing RB22 alongside Max Verstappen, filling in for an injured Isaac Hadjar. At a track that is brand new for each team and driver, by weekend’s end we will know how maddening it has been.
Drivers’ Standings (Top 10)
Pos, Driver, Country, Team, Points
1/ Kimi Antonelli, ITA, Mercedes 267
2/ George Russell, GBR, Mercedes 201
3/ Lewis Hamilton, GBR, Ferrari 191
4/ Lando Norris, GBR, McLaren 171
5/ Charles Leclerc, MON, Ferrari 155
6/ Max Verstappen, NED, Red Bull Racing 127
7/ Oscar Piastri, AUS, McLaren 116
8/ Isack Hadjar, FRA, Red Bull Racing 71
9/ Liam Lawson, NZL, Red Bull Racing 51
10/ Pierre Gasly, FRA, Alpine 41
Teams’ Standings
Pos. Team Pts.
1/ Mercedes 468
2/ Ferrari 346
3/ McLaren 287
4/ Red Bull Racing 204
5/ Racing Bulls 75
6/ Alpine 62
7/ Haas F1 Team 21
8/ Audi 16
9/ Williams 11
10/ Aston Martin 3
11/ Cadillac 0
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