Fernando Alonso had a pointed response when asked about Formula 1’s new Madrid circuit ahead of the first Spanish Grand Prix to be held at Madring, suggesting Ferrari’s drivers might be better placed to describe the track after completing a filming day there.
The two-time Formula 1 world champion was one of the main figures in the pre-race press conference in Madrid. Fernando Alonso, alongside Carlos Sainz, is one of the two home drivers competing in Spain, and the Aston Martin driver once again delivered several noteworthy comments as attention turned to the challenge presented by the new circuit in the Spanish capital.
Fernando Alonso teases Ferrari over Madrid filming day
Asked for his first impressions of the new Madring Formula 1 circuit, Fernando Alonso initially highlighted the significance of racing in Madrid again and the additional challenge created by the current generation of cars.
“We’re happy to be here, to return to Madrid after so many years. It’s a new track and a new challenge for everyone, especially considering the complexity of the cars with the new regulations. For me, it’s certainly something special. The layout? I’ve driven it in the simulator, but it would be better to ask the Ferrari drivers, who ran here during a filming day…”
It is not the first time Fernando Alonso has teased Ferrari over the subject. Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc arrive at the Madrid weekend having already had the opportunity to drive at the venue during Ferrari’s filming-day running, an experience that has inevitably attracted attention ahead of the first competitive Formula 1 sessions at Madring. Stefano Domenicali has also discussed Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc’s experience of the Madrid circuit before the Grand Prix weekend.
Fernando Alonso expects a difficult Madring challenge
Beyond the playful Ferrari reference, Fernando Alonso offered a more detailed assessment of the circuit. His view was similar to that of fellow Spaniard Carlos Sainz, who had described the new street track as “particularly difficult”.
“It’s not an easy track,” Fernando Alonso said during the press conference. “The grip from the asphalt is an unknown. There will be an evolution in terms of speed and we’ll also have to work on the set-up. But we can’t wait. We need to complete as many laps as possible to build confidence.”
That uncertainty will make early running particularly important as teams begin gathering real-world information on the new surface and refining their car set-ups. The Madrid event represents unfamiliar territory for the field, adding another technical challenge to the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix weekend.
Fernando Alonso keeps 2027 Formula 1 future open
Fernando Alonso also left journalists waiting for answers regarding his longer-term future. The Aston Martin driver made clear that there would be no imminent announcement about what he intends to do in 2027.
“What will I do in 2027? You won’t hear any news soon. Why? Because it’s nice this way,” he added with a smile. “The question is understanding what next year’s rules will be and what kind of impact they will have, if any, on racing and the drivers’ work.”
Fernando Alonso then explained that the driving experience offered by the current cars would form part of his thinking as he considers what comes next.
“I think the current cars, as I’ve said many times, are not the best to drive if you want to have fun. Next year should represent a step in the right direction,” Fernando Alonso continued, “but I also have to think about what problems we’ll have to face next year.”
The Spaniard indicated that his eventual decision may not simply be about whether to continue racing. Instead, he plans to discuss with Aston Martin where he could make the biggest contribution to the team.
“I’ll have to sit down with the team and we’ll see whether I’ll be behind the wheel or somewhere else. That way we’ll understand where I can help them most: that is the most important thing for us to evaluate together.”
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