The Spanish capital makes its debut on the F1 calendar with an entirely new, medium-to-high-downforce circuit. The form guide of the four leading teams suggests that Mercedes should face much stronger pressure from its rivals than it did at Monza.

A brand-new track means uncertainty at the highest level: F1 heads to the Spanish capital for the debut of the Madring semi-street circuit, one of the most eagerly anticipated additions to the calendar.

At 5.416 km long and featuring 22 corners, the Madrid track combines an urban section with a part characterized by significant elevation changes and the “Monumental” corner, which has a 24% gradient and is likely to be one of the most challenging sections of the entire championship.

This hybrid layout generates some of the most severe vertical and lateral loads of the year, requiring teams to find the right aerodynamic balance from scratch.

So, which of Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull will have the advantage on the new track, at least judging by the performance they have shown so far according to the characteristics of the circuits they have raced on?