Kimi Antonelli says Madring is probably the most difficult circuit on the 2026 Formulation 1 calendar, each to drive and to arrange the automobile.
As drivers put together to tackle the brand new problem of the Madring, the observe’s twisting structure is proving to be a speaking level.
However plainly the drivability of the observe shouldn’t be the one headache for drivers to handle this weekend, with groups additionally going through stark selections.
Antonelli has labelled the Madring as probably the most difficult circuit of 2026 for the drivers, citing the numerous undulating corners that make up the circuit.
“I feel it’s some of the difficult tracks,” Antonelli mentioned to media on Thursday, together with Motorsport Week.
. “It’s probably the most difficult observe of the 12 months on driving facet and likewise engineering facet as a result of driving-wise, you already know, you’ve obtained every kind of corners.”
“You’ve obtained chicanes, quick corners, bent corners, medium pace,” he mentioned. “Additionally, braking, you already know, you’ve obtained lots of straight line braking however lots of braking the place you’re truly nonetheless turning.”
He pointed to 1 nook specifically. “For instance, Flip 17 is a nook the place whenever you hit the brake, you’re nonetheless turning and you then straighten the automobile,” he mentioned. “So, it’s very tough observe, very difficult however very thrilling on the identical time with zero margin of mistake.”
Kimi Anotonelli explains Madring automobile setup dilemma
Antonelli mentioned the circuit is equally troublesome from an engineering standpoint. “I say it’s additionally difficult on the engineering facet as a result of I feel discovering a setup that could be a good compromise for the entire lap shouldn’t be going to be simple,” he mentioned.
“You’ll find a setup that helps you, you already know, within the chicanes when you should minimize kerbs or a setup that helps you within the quick corners,” he mentioned. “However to discover a setup that’s good over curves, good on altering path and good on quick corners goes to be troublesome as a result of, you already know, everytime you do a setup, there’s at all times execs and cons. It helps in some methods in some corners however in others, it would make your life a bit tougher.”
He mentioned the workforce has ready extensively within the simulator however is not going to know the way correct that preparation was till vehicles hit the observe. “We’ve accomplished lots of work within the sim,” Antonelli mentioned. “We sort of obtained an thought however for certain tomorrow on observe, we are going to see for the primary time the way it’s going to be for actual.”
Antonelli’s issues over automobile setup had been echoed by different drivers throughout Media Day at Madrid, with FP1 more likely to create extra questions than solutions.