New F1 track in Madrid: "A track that kills cars"

The absolute centerpiece and most discussed section of the track is the banked corner "La Monumental".

With an impressive length of 550 meters and a banking of 24 degrees, it will not only be the longest but also one of the most demanding corners on the entire F1 calendar.

This section places immense and sustained stress on drivers, tires, and the suspension of the cars. Engineers face a massive challenge in car setup: finding a setup that can withstand the massive compression in the banked corner without sacrificing the agility needed for the slower street sections will be a crucial success factor.

Alarming Test: 19 Red Flags

Just how demanding the track actually is was demonstrated by a Formula 3 test. According to "Fox Sports", there were no fewer than 19 red flags – a clear indication of the high risk and low margin for error of the layout.

Williams team principal James Vowles summarized these concerns in drastic terms, calling the circuit one "that kills cars."

Drivers, who ultimately bear the risk, are also alarmed. Local hero Carlos Sainz speaks of "one of the biggest challenges in Formula 1 in recent times" and, according to "Sky Sports", expects a chaotic race with numerous interruptions by safety cars and red flags.

The organizers, however, speak of a "track made for spectacle."