Lewis Hamilton shares his thoughts about the upcoming Madrid F1 track, expressing some skepticism based on past experiences.
- The Spanish Grand Prix is moving from its traditional Barcelona home to Madrid, sparking mixed feelings.
- Hamilton has not seen the track plans yet but doubts its potential to surpass existing tracks.
- While acknowledging Madrid’s reputation as a fun and vibrant city, Hamilton remains cautious about the racing prospects.
- The shift from Barcelona to Madrid is part of F1’s evolving landscape, with an emphasis on innovation and new venues.
Lewis Hamilton, a well-respected figure in the racing world, has expressed a degree of skepticism regarding the new addition to the Formula 1 calendar, the Madrid track. As Barcelona hosts one of its last races, Hamilton shared his mixed feelings, highlighting a common trend he’s noticed: new tracks often fail to match their predecessors’ excitement levels. Ninety-plus percent of the time, new tracks are less compelling than those they replace, he pointed out.
Though he admitted to not having seen much of the track’s layout, Hamilton’s experiences lead him to be ‘less hopeful’ about Madrid’s potential. The 5.4-kilometer circuit, named ‘Madring,’ promises 22 challenging turns and features a unique hybrid design that combines street racing with a custom-built section near significant city landmarks.
Hamilton has fond memories of Barcelona, praising the city as a wonderful place to race. He’s aware of the vibrant following F1 has in Spain, especially since Fernando Alonso’s rise in popularity. However, he maintains a cautious optimism, emphasizing that any transition must maintain F1’s racing standards. According to Hamilton, even if Madrid’s track excels, it might not have the charm and tradition of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
The circuit in Madrid will have some standout features, such as a turn with a 24% bank and the second-longest straight in the F1 racing circuit. Nevertheless, Hamilton remains wary, understanding that designing a track that offers both technical challenges and engaging races is hit-and-miss. Despite Madrid’s reputation as a lively city, Hamilton has yet to visit but remains open to seeing how the track develops.
Hamilton’s comments were measured and based on years of racing experience. He acknowledged the need for progress and adaptation in the sport, yet he conveyed a certain nostalgia for classic tracks like Barcelona’s, which have shaped the F1 experience over the years. He believes maintaining F1’s integrity is crucial, and while he notes that changes are inevitable, they should not come at the cost of racing quality.
Hamilton remains reserved about Madrid’s track potential while staying open to seeing how it evolves.
