Oliver Bearman believes Formula 1’s first race at Madrid’s new Madring circuit could offer Haas an important opportunity to rebound from a disappointing Italian Grand Prix. Although the American team struggled for straight-line speed at Monza and again finished outside the points with both cars, Bearman was encouraged by the performance of the upgrade package introduced in Italy.
The Madrid Grand Prix now presents a completely different challenge. No Formula 1 driver has previously raced at Madring, meaning the entire grid must learn the circuit from scratch. For Oliver Bearman, that uncertainty could help create opportunities for teams capable of adapting quickly during the weekend.
Oliver Bearman sees Madrid GP opportunity after difficult Monza weekend
Monza was far from an ideal weekend for Haas. The team suffered from a lack of performance on the straights and neither Oliver Bearman nor Esteban Ocon managed to finish inside the points.
However, Haas also introduced new components in Italy, and their initial performance offered encouragement despite the disappointing race result. The team now hopes those developments can contribute more effectively at a circuit with very different characteristics.
“I’m excited for this weekend: on a new circuit, anyone can manage to master the track,” Oliver Bearman said. “Even though our race pace hurt us on Sunday, we’re all very happy to see that the upgrade introduced at Monza worked, so I’m approaching this weekend with optimism.”
The British driver also expects Madrid’s atmosphere to add to the occasion as Formula 1 visits the Spanish capital.
“I love the energy of Spain: the fans experience Formula 1 with almost the same passion as football, so I can’t wait to experience that atmosphere.”
Bearman highlights La Monumental as Madring’s standout challenge
Madring combines several different types of corner and introduces a completely new challenge for the drivers. One section in particular has already caught Oliver Bearman’s attention: La Monumental, the circuit’s long banked corner.
“Madring has a lot of interesting sections, but for me ‘La Monumental’ is the one I can’t wait to experience for real: it’s something completely new for Formula 1.”
The lack of previous race data will make the opening practice sessions particularly important. Simulator work can provide drivers and engineers with an initial reference, but factors such as grip levels, tyre behaviour, bumps and track evolution will only become clear once Formula 1 cars begin running on the circuit.
That makes the ability to learn quickly particularly valuable. Haas will be looking to understand whether the improvement suggested by its Monza upgrade can translate into a more competitive overall package in Madrid.
Esteban Ocon compares Madrid circuit to Miami
Esteban Ocon is equally enthusiastic about Formula 1’s newest venue and sees similarities between Madring and another circuit already established on the calendar.
“It’s nice to be back on track in Madrid straight after the Monza weekend,” Esteban Ocon said. “The new circuit looks challenging and fun: a mix between a street circuit and a permanent track, similar to Miami, which also includes a long banked corner.”
Like Oliver Bearman, Esteban Ocon has already completed simulator preparation ahead of the inaugural event and believes adapting quickly will be one of the main priorities for Haas.
“It will be crucial to get comfortable with the new layout as quickly as possible; I’ve worked in the simulator and we’ve done our homework, so it’s a great opportunity to make our mark at Madring. We want to finish the European season strongly.”
Haas hopes new circuit can provide a reset after Monza
The Madrid weekend therefore arrives at an intriguing moment for Haas. The results at Monza were disappointing, especially after both cars remained outside the points, but the successful introduction of the latest upgrade provided a reason for optimism.
A completely new circuit also reduces the advantage normally gained from years of historical data. Every team must establish its set-up and understand the tyres as the weekend unfolds, potentially creating opportunities for those who find the correct operating window fastest.
For Haas, the objective is clear: turn the encouraging technical signs from Monza into a stronger competitive result and close the European phase of the 2026 Formula 1 calendar on a high. Both Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon believe Madring offers exactly that kind of opportunity.
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