Go all out or hold back? The reason Pirelli designates Madrid's La Monumental as the most challenging turn in F1.

The newest entry on the Formula 1 schedule had already generated considerable debate in the paddock prior to the weekend. Much of the discussion focused on safety and whether the layout around the IFEMA complex might indeed be a ‘car killer,’ as several teams worried following the somewhat tumultuous F3 test.

Another focal point of interest was La Monumental, which is Turn 12 of the new circuit. This corner features a banking of 13.5 degrees, translating to an incline of approximately 24%.

This is less than the final corner at Zandvoort – where the Arie Luyendyk corner has 18 degrees of banking – but nonetheless, Pirelli characterizes La Monumental as the most challenging corner on the entire F1 calendar for the tyres.

"Essentially, the peak of the vertical energy isn’t higher than in other corners we have on the calendar, such as in Qatar or the banking in Zandvoort, etc. It’s more about the duration of the load and the consistent load that is experienced," explained Pirelli’s chief engineer Simone Berra.

"So instead of two or three seconds, you’re under those loads for 5.5 seconds. This results in double the duty cycle in that section. That is the key point to keep in mind and what we are incorporating into our calculations."

At present, the actual conditions seem to match the calculations Pirelli conducted ahead of the weekend, Berra confirmed when queried by Motorsport.com.

"Currently, it aligns with our simulations. We are still analyzing all the loads and data. We have examined three or four teams so far, but what we have observed aligns with our expectations," Berra stated on Friday evening.

The length of the banked corner results in a higher overall load on the tyres compared to Zandvoort

This indicates that there are currently no safety issues, unlike those previously encountered in Qatar due to the so-called pyramid kerbs and later because of the excessive load. In Madrid, measures like a maximum stint length or other interventions are not currently under consideration.

"Right now, there’s nothing to worry about," Berra affirmed. "Naturally, we are still working and need to review all the data. We will continue tomorrow because we are examining the tyres, so we have to analyze all the constructions. This process isn’t finished yet. Saturday morning we will cut additional tyres from FP2 and also from FP3, but for the moment, there are no concerns."

Which teams got it right? Pirelli discloses differences in simulations

The final corner at Zandvoort is easily taken flat-out, but the Madrid equivalent presents a different scenario. Not only is this corner longer, but it also includes more changes in elevation. The corner begins at a height, then drivers descend, only to climb again toward the exit, before dropping once more as they approach Turn 13.

Due to this complexity, the teams' simulations varied significantly, Pirelli noted.

"It was fascinating to see whether the teams’ simulations matched up for Turn 12, La Monumental, since some teams anticipated being grip limited," Berra added. "They thought they would need to ease off the throttle in this section, while others believed they could maintain full throttle there.

Verstappen had already predicted on Thursday that the corner wouldn’t be taken at full throttle and that ‘driver skill’ would be a factor

"The reality is that the teams anticipating a lift were correct. Particularly in the initial part of the corner, they had to ease off a bit, about 30 to 40% off the throttle. Then after two seconds, they could accelerate again.

"This was quite intriguing because it impacts the loads on the tyres and the tyre integrity analysis we conduct every weekend."

This is also reflected in the data from the second free practice session, including that of the three fastest drivers. However, it should be noted that there are differences among them.

Both Ferrari drivers entered the corner at full throttle before significantly lifting, while Kimi Antonelli was already more cautious with his throttle application at corner entry. In the latter part of the corner, all drivers went flat-out.

According to the drivers, this is what makes it a challenge and a spot where lap time can be gained, as Max Verstappen had previously indicated on Thursday.

"I think the banking is cool. It’s not going to be easy to navigate flat, I believe. There’s a bit of skill involved, which I think is always good," said the Red Bull driver.

Photos from F1 Spanish GP - Saturday