Formula 1 Spanish GP
Why Ferrari won’t have to worry about another manhole cover incident at the Madring
Less than three years after a manhole cover tore through Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari at Las Vegas, Formula 1 is back at another all-new street circuit – but this time, the track has a feature that will delight the Scuderia
Fabien Gaillard
Published: Sep 10, 2026, 10:02 AM
Copy link
Share on Viber
For the first time since 2023, Formula 1 is set to make its debut on a brand-new circuit. The Madring, located in Madrid, will host the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix this weekend.
In line with many new circuits of the last 15 years, this is a so-called ‘street circuit’, although it is of a particular kind. Whilst it does incorporate sections of public road, part of it has been specifically designed to host Formula 1 races. In this respect, it follows in the footsteps of ‘contemporary’ semi-urban circuits such as Sochi, Jeddah or Miami.
Some are awaiting the first laps with a certain curiosity – not to say a certain apprehension – given that what we have seen of the Madring so far suggests it may prove a particularly difficult challenge to master.
However, a debut on a new circuit is often an opportunity to iron out a few kinks. But this time, the organising committee will avoid scrutiny over an issue that has impacted street circuits in the past.
Carlos Sainz was taken out in FP1 by a manhole cover that broke free
Photo by: Erik Junius
In 2023, when F1 made its debut on the new Las Vegas street circuit, the first day of racing proved particularly eventful. In fact, right from the first practice session, Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari struck a manhole cover that came loose due to a fault in the concrete meant to secure it.
Whilst the worst was avoided – as the Spaniard was not injured – the same could not be said for his car. This incident, cost Ferrari dearly – both in sporting terms (with a grid penalty for the Spaniard) and financially – but also led to a drastic reshuffling of the evening’s schedule. FP1 was cancelled after 10 minutes and the second practice session was postponed until 2.30 am, local time, in front of empty stands as spectators were asked to evacuate the circuit...
No manholes, no problems?
No manhole covers, no problem, right?
Photo by: Simon Galloway / LAT Images via Getty Images
A difficult but seminal day for Las Vegas… and apparently for Spanish Grand Prix organisers too. As Ferrari – which has a particular interest in the matter – has revealed, the very design of the Madring took into account the ever-tricky issue of manhole covers on street circuits.
How? Quite simply by ensuring there would be none along the 5.416 km of the track.
Thus, the Scuderia stated in its presentation of the race: “Zero. The number of manhole covers on the track. To avoid the problems seen at other street circuits, the design specified there would be none in the track surface."
A sigh of relief for Ferrari and for Sainz – who is ambassador for the circuit – no doubt.
Read Also:
Formula 1Five things to look out for at the F1 Spanish GP
Formula 1“Even a small mistake can cost you a lot” – How Madring will challenge F1 drivers
Formula 1What to expect from F1's newest race as Madring debuts
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article Max Verstappen’s scathing verdict: F1 2026 isn’t just unnatural, it’s too easy to drive
Next article George Russell "should feel aggrieved" after Mercedes Monza strategy call, says David Croft
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
Fabien Gaillard
All the results and standings from the 2026 F1 Spanish Grand Prix
Formula 1
Formula 1
Spanish GP
All the results and standings from the 2026 F1 Spanish Grand Prix
2026 F1 Championship standings: Kimi Antonelli closes in on the title
Formula 1
Formula 1
Spanish GP
2026 F1 Championship standings: Kimi Antonelli closes in on the title
How Charles Leclerc's advice to Pierre Gasly came back to bite him in Italian GP qualifying
Formula 1
Formula 1
Italian GP
How Charles Leclerc's advice to Pierre Gasly came back to bite him in Italian GP qualifying
More from
Ferrari
On this day: Fernando Alonso wins the world title, Michael Schumacher retires from F1
Formula 1
Formula 1
Brazilian GP
6 h
On this day: Fernando Alonso wins the world title, Michael Schumacher retires from F1
The figures that show Mercedes has lost its supremacy in F1 2026
Formula 1
Formula 1
United States GP
The figures that show Mercedes has lost its supremacy in F1 2026
Latest news
IndyCar set to drop Nashville Superspeedway and D.C. for 2027; Barcelona announcement looms
IndyCar
Indy IndyCar 38 min
IndyCar set to drop Nashville Superspeedway and D.C. for 2027; Barcelona announcement looms
Carlos Sainz: "Difficult to be convinced" that F1 2026 can finish in the Middle East
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
United States GP
41 min
Carlos Sainz: "Difficult to be convinced" that F1 2026 can finish in the Middle East
F1 United States GP: Friday schedule, weather forecast and how to watch
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
United States GP
1 h
F1 United States GP: Friday schedule, weather forecast and how to watch
Feature
Discover prime content
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe