For the first time since 2023, Formula One heads to a new track, as we compete at the newly built Madrid street circuit for the first time. This marks the first time since 2012 that we have multiple races in Spain, and the first time since 1981 that a race has taken place in the Spanish capital.

However, the build-up to the race has been shrouded in negativity. Following the recent additions of the tracks in Baku, Jeddah, Miami and Las Vegas, combined with an increased public consciousness around improving the spectacle, many Formula One fans are disappointed with a ten-year contract being awarded to another street circuit where overtaking looks like it will be at a premium.

Furthermore, in the build-up to the race, drivers such as Max Verstappen and Pierre Gasly have stated that while driving the new track on the simulator, they had multiple crashes and forecast many issues for the weekend. As safety is the primary concern, red flags could be very common, or potentially worse if somebody finds the barriers at high speed.

These concerns were amplified when, during practice for Formula Two, Thai driver Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak had a fiery crash, to which he thankfully emerged unscathed. Whilst the two Formula One practice sessions saw little incident, barring a slow speed crash for Arvid Lindblad that brought out a temporary red flag, the danger of high speeds around narrow walls remain.

However, similar concerns were made for the circuit in Saudi Arabia, and barring a scary crash for Mick Schumacher in 2022, we have seen three races in a row without serious incident; these are the best drivers in the world after all!