George Russell warns Madrid’s new F1 circuit is ‘very high risk’
SportLocation Formula 1 Desk · 13 Sept 2026 · Illustrative footage
George Russell has described Madrid’s new Madring layout as “very high risk” after Arvid Lindblad’s crash in Friday practice at the Spanish Grand Prix.
George Russell has raised fresh concerns about Formula 1’s new Madrid circuit after Arvid Lindblad crashed in Friday practice at the Spanish Grand Prix.
The Mercedes driver said the Madring is “very high risk” and suggested the field was already leaving extra margin on a track that punishes small mistakes.
Lindblad’s Racing Bulls car hit the wall at Turn 13, damaging the front and rear suspension and breaking the front wing, although the British rookie still finished the session fourth fastest.
Russell was fifth quickest, but his main message was about the circuit itself. He said the layout offers less margin than Monaco because the speed is higher, while the barriers feel closer in the fast sections.
He also pointed to tyre degradation and the amount of sliding on the new surface, saying the race could become a major strategic test if the grip level stays as it was in practice.
The wider concern is simple enough: on a brand-new street-style track, the drivers are still learning where the limits are, and Russell believes Madrid leaves very little room when they find them.