Formula 1's new Madrid street circuit, the "Madring," hosted its debut race this past weekend but produced a dull, processional Grand Prix, in sharp contrast to an exciting Italian Grand Prix at Monza the week before. Despite hopes that the track's banked corner would generate IndyCar-style overtaking, seasoned F1 drivers avoided risks, and no real battles materialised, raising questions about whether the new venue delivers the racing spectacle organisers intended.

McLaren's Lando Norris looked set to win after topping qualifying and leading from the start, but a poorly timed virtual safety car (triggered by Lance Stroll's retirement) and a botched pit stop lasting over seven seconds—three times a normal 2026 stop—dropped him to fifth. Rivals Kimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen capitalised by pitting under the VSC to gain time. This followed Antonelli's dramatic Italian Grand Prix win at Monza, where he became the first Italian driver to win his home race in 60 years after starting 19th.