Ferrari found ‘grey area’ in rules for Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc to test new Madrid track

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Ferrari have reportedly found a ‘grey area’ in the rules that led to Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc conducting a test on the new Madrid circuit.

Fresh from Leclerc’s victory at the British Grand Prix, the mood within the Scuderia squad is currently as high as ever.

Aside from Leclerc bouncing back from his recent poor form, Hamilton has continued to show improved performances in 2026. 

With the 2026 Formula 1 season resuming next weekend with the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, Ferrari have been getting to know the new Madrid circuit, which will host the Spanish Grand Prix in September. 

Ferrari deny claims that Madrid test was funded by Grand Prix organisers

The MadRing, which has been built around the city’s IFEMA Exhibition Centre, will play host to the Spanish Grand Prix from this year onwards, with Barcelona entering the rotational list. 

This week, it has been reported that Ferrari will conduct one of their permitted filming days at the MadRing.

Hamilton and Leclerc took to the track on Thursday, with Ferrari sharing footage across their social media platforms.

Although it seems unfair that they will be given a slight advantage ahead of a brand-new Grand Prix, it has been claimed that Ferrari managed to find a ‘grey area’ within the rules.

According to the Italian edition of Motorsport.com, Ferrari found that it is not prohibited to hold a filming day at a new F1 track, with the existing restrictions only applying to TPCs (Tests of previous cars). 

It has also been reported that Ferrari have been ‘categorically refuting’ suggestions that the test was paid for by the Grand Prix organisers in Madrid.

However, there are still some restrictions that Ferrari had to adhere to during their filming day at the Spanish capital.

For example, the mileage is capped at a maximum of 200km, and they are not permitted to use the 2026 Pirelli tyres.

Despite the restrictions, Ferrari will still arrive at the Spanish Grand Prix in September with a slight advantage, with Leclerc and Hamilton having the chance to familiarise themselves with the 5.4 km-long circuit.

How long will Lewis Hamilton’s run of finishing every Grand Prix lap last?

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Back in May, Williams star Carlos Sainz was the first current F1 driver to get a taste of the MadRing as he did some laps in a Ford Mustang alongside journalist Lawrence Barretto.

Speaking about the track, Sainz admitted that he did not expect it to be as fun as it was.

As reported by F1, the Spaniard said: “It was honestly impressive. I didn’t expect to have so much fun. 

“I didn’t expect it to be so flowing, so wide. You can lean on the car for so long. If we’re going this fast in this, imagine what it’ll be like in a Formula 1 car.”