Madrid, September 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Thai Formula 2 driver Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak escaped unhurt after a dramatic crash during the sole F2 practice session at the Madring circuit on Friday, with his car bursting into flames after hitting the barriers.
Inthraphuvasak, competing in the Formula 1 feeder series, was able to quickly get out of the burning car and jump over the wall to safety before marshals arrived to extinguish the flames.
The incident prompted an immediate red flag, bringing the F2 session to a halt. Practice resumed nearly 24 minutes later, with the drivers getting only the remaining six minutes of track time. The crash occurred shortly before the opening F1 practice session.
The incident added to growing safety concerns surrounding the new 5.4-kilometre Madring circuit, which has replaced the Barcelona venue as the official Spanish Grand Prix track on the F1 calendar. Earlier, an F3 practice session had also been interrupted following a crash.
The safety debate intensified after 19 red-flag incidents, including 11 caused by crashes, were reported during an F3 test at the circuit.
Four-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen had already warned about the challenges posed by the track, saying that a minor mistake in some sections could result in a crash.
Mercedes driver George Russell described the circuit as “crazy” and said he was surprised to learn that F3 had recorded 19 red flags during testing. He said the combination of high-speed corners and walls positioned close to the racing line left little room for error.
Russell compared some sections to the high-speed characteristics of Jeddah and also pointed to the risks at Baku, where drivers approach slow corners from high speed and brake while turning.
Alpine driver Pierre Gasly had also predicted that red-flag stoppages could continue during the Madrid weekend. While describing the circuit as enjoyable and exciting to drive, Gasly said its narrow margins meant even a slight mistake could have significant consequences, similar to the challenges faced at Monaco.
He said the track would be particularly demanding for drivers, requiring them to maximise braking zones and carefully manage the speed carried through each corner.
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