Juan Pablo Montoya expresses that Madriñ is the inaugural 2026 F1 circuit he is eager to navigate.

Former Formula 1 racer Juan Pablo Montoya has lauded the newly unveiled Madring circuit, noting that it is the first track of the 2026 season that has sparked his desire to get back in the driver's seat.

Following the Italian Grand Prix at Monza last weekend, which saw a Mercedes 1-2 finish with Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, the competitors now confront an unfamiliar challenge at the new 5.4km, 22-turn semi-street course in the Spanish capital. 

In a segment on F1 TV's Weekend Warm-Up prior to the race weekend at Madring, Montoya expressed his enthusiasm after taking a stroll around the track.

"I walked it this morning, and I've been in a road car a couple of weeks ago. I've seen it a few times," the Colombian articulated. "Unbelievable. Honestly, I do a lot of track walks because my kid races in Formula 2, so we do track walks every race, and this was the first time I thought, 'Oo, I would like to drive this.'

A Spanish flag flies over the circuit

"Of all the circuits we've visited this year, it's the first time I've thought, 'This would be incredible.' I don't believe the track layout does it full justice because of the elevation changes and blind spots.

"Many of the corners are of the traditional style, with barriers both inside and outside, and they are blind turns. You're navigating, and the driver who gets closest to the apex is the one nearest the wall, which I think adds a lot of exciting elements because when the apexes are opened up, anyone can navigate them.

"Anyone can take a wide line, adjust a little here and there, but with a barrier in place, you must be precise. And I think that is just the level of commitment required. It's incredible."