George Russell has voiced significant concerns regarding the new circuit in Madrid, set to host its first Formula 1 race this weekend. The British driver described the track as "mental" and labeled it a potential "car-killer," echoing sentiments from four-time world champion Max Verstappen. The circuit is characterized by its proximity to concrete walls, forcing drivers to navigate at speeds comparable to or exceeding those on the famously tight Monaco street circuit.
Russell's apprehension stems from the track's design, which features numerous high-speed corners. "The barriers come back on to the track. So, if you are going to go wide, you're not hitting it at the same angle as the car is going. The car is going towards the wall but the wall is coming in at you," Russell explained. He compared three specific corners on the Madrid circuit to the challenging 15th corner in Baku, known for its demanding nature.
The safety of the new circuit was highlighted by incidents during practice sessions for Formula 2 and Formula 1. Thai driver Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak's car caught fire after impacting barriers at Turn 19 during F2 practice. Shortly after, Arvid Lindblad's Racing Bulls car sustained damage in a crash at Turn 13 during F1 practice. While both drivers escaped uninjured, these events have amplified concerns about the track's unforgiving layout.
Russell elaborated on the increased risk compared to other circuits. "This circuit has less margin than Monaco. Purely because of the speed. In Monaco, the walls are closer, but because you're going far slower, if you make a mistake, you're not into the wall as quickly. And you can recover it sometimes, a small lock-up you can get over. Here, I think there's less room for error," he stated. He noted that drivers might experience more lock-ups due to three consecutive braking zones, with walls immediately adjacent to the track.
Despite these warnings, Russell expressed a degree of acceptance of the inherent risks in motorsport. "I don't think too much to be honest… I'm sure my mother worries more than I do on seeing any crash. But I'm content with whatever happens. This is part of the risk," he commented, while also sharing a personal anecdote about a more significant injury sustained from a recreational accident with his nephew. The driver's focus remains on the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix, with the safety of the new Madrid circuit likely to be a key talking point throughout the race weekend.