Getty Images: Clive Rose
The upcoming Spanish Grand Prix is set to take place in Madrid at the newly constructed Madring circuit.
At the heart of this innovative track is a 270-degree turn known as La Monumental, which is anticipated to become a landmark feature in motorsport.
ABC Sport will provide a live blog for the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix starting at 9 PM AEST on Sunday, September 13.
Formula 1 is introducing a fresh venue to its schedule, and although the Madring has yet to host any races, it already features a corner expected to gain iconic status among fans and drivers alike.
The Spanish Grand Prix has transitioned from its previous location in Barcelona to Madrid, where the new Madring will serve as the race venue through 2035.
This circuit combines elements of public roads and private land, offering a unique blend of characteristics typical of both street circuits and permanent racetracks.
The standout characteristic of this 22-corner layout is turn 12: La Monumental.
La Monumental presents a lengthy, banked hairpin that is set to offer a distinctive experience compared to existing F1 tracks.
With a banking angle of up to 13.5 degrees—less extreme than the 18-degree banking at Zandvoort—this corner will be navigated at significantly higher speeds.
Williams driver Carlos Sainz tested the circuit earlier this year in a Ford Mustang GT and anticipates that F1 cars will be able to take La Monumental at full throttle.
“I believe the corner will allow for flat-out driving throughout, creating overtaking chances into the subsequent tight left turn,” he remarked.
“The banking may enable drivers to position their cars higher or lower to find clean air for following. However, if it’s truly flat, it will also be a spot where staying close will generate substantial slipstream, similar to what we see at Zandvoort.”
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli heads into this weekend with a commanding 66-point advantage in the drivers’ championship over his teammate George Russell, following a remarkable victory in Italy last Sunday, where he started from the 19th position on the grid.
Australian racer Oscar Piastri is currently ranked seventh in the drivers’ standings, trailing Antonelli by 151 points. He secured fifth place at the recent Italian Grand Prix.
The Spanish Grand Prix is scheduled for Sunday, September 13, with the race beginning at different times across various states and territories:
- 11 PM: New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Australian Capital Territory, Tasmania
- 10:30 PM: South Australia, Northern Territory
- 9 PM: Western Australia
ABC Sport will also provide a live blog for the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix starting at 9 PM AEST on Sunday, September 13.
Current F1 championship standings following the Italian Grand Prix:
Drivers’ Championship Standings
- 267 — Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
- 201 — George Russell, Mercedes
- 191 — Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
- 171 — Lando Norris, McLaren
- 155 — Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
- 127 — Max Verstappen, Red Bull
- 116 — Oscar Piastri, McLaren
- 71 — Isack Hadjar, Red Bull
- 51 — Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls/Red Bull
- 41 — Pierre Gasly, Alpine
- 29 — Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls
- 21 — Franco Colapinto, Alpine
- 18 — Oliver Bearman, Haas
- 10 — Gabriel Bortoleto, Audi
- 6 — Nico Hülkenberg, Audi
- 6 — Carlos Sainz, Williams
- 5 — Alex Albon, Williams
- 3 — Esteban Ocon, Haas
- 3 — Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin
- 1 — Yuki Tsunoda, Racing Bulls
- 0 — Lance Stroll, Aston Martin
- 0 — Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac
- 0 — Sergio Pérez, Cadillac
