Madrid F1 Circuit Shares Update on 'Extreme' Banked Corner Construction

The new Madrid F1 circuit has begun paving its most extreme feature, the 550-meter banked corner named 'La Monumental,' which features a steep 24% incline. The track is on schedule for its debut this September, taking over as the host of the Spanish Grand Prix alongside Barcelona.

Why it matters:

This corner is set to be the longest and one of the most steeply banked on the F1 calendar, promising a unique and physically demanding challenge for drivers that could redefine overtaking opportunities at the new venue. Its successful construction is a critical milestone for the circuit, which aims to establish itself as a modern fixture on the calendar with a long-term deal starting in 2026.

The details:

• Corner Specifications: 'La Monumental' (Turn 12) is a 550-meter semicircular corner with an extreme 24% banking, reaching a maximum height of 10 meters. Drivers are expected to spend roughly six seconds navigating it.
• Construction Challenge: The circuit described paving this section as "one of the most demanding technical tasks of the entire project" due to its geometry and steep banking, requiring millimeter-level precision.
• Paving Process: Two state-of-the-art paving machines operated in perfect synchrony to ensure continuity and uniformity of the asphalt layer across the complex layout.
• Material Scale: The project used over 1,800 cubic meters of asphalt mix for this corner alone—enough to cover a football pitch with a 25-centimeter layer.

What's next:

Construction continues at a rapid pace to meet the September deadline.

• Paving for the remaining sections of the circuit in the Valdebebas area is scheduled for the coming weeks.
• The intermediate asphalt layer for the entire track is planned for April.
• Work on the team garages and the main pit building structure is also progressing steadily.