Vowles highlights Madring's unique 'Monumental' challenge
Williams team principal James Vowles said the banked Turn 12 La Monumental at Madring will subject cars to sustained high G-forces for over four seconds and test tyres, hydraulics and more, based on F3 test data. The corner is unique on the 2026 calendar.
Vowles flags unique demands at La Monumental
Williams team principal James Vowles highlighted the distinctive challenges posed by the banked Turn 12, known as La Monumental, at the new Madring circuit for the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix. Data from recent Formula 3 testing showed sustained high G-forces lasting roughly four and a half seconds through the corner.[1]
This load will test tyres, hydraulics and other systems across the car. Vowles noted that nothing comparable exists elsewhere on the calendar.[2]
The F3 session produced 19 red flags along with three broken chassis and multiple suspension failures. Vowles described the track as demanding for machinery, though he acknowledged the difference in car specifications between F3 and Formula 1.[3]
Track characteristics
Related reading
- [1]El jefe de Sainz avisa con Madring: Es un circuito mata-coches (sport). Accessed 2026-09-08.
- [2]Vowles calls Madrid car-wrecking track after F3 test 2026 (gpblog). Accessed 2026-09-08.
- [3]El análisis del jefe de Williams sobre el Madring: Es algo único en el calendario (lasexta). Accessed 2026-09-08.