Drivers already put qualifying first at the Madring

Formula 1 tackles the Madring on Friday without any data from a previous Grand Prix at the circuit. The 5.414 km track has 22 corners and will host a 57-lap race on Sunday. Simulations have highlighted several challenges: braking while turning, blind corners with walls close to the track, elevation changes and the compromise between riding kerbs and stability through fast corners.

Electrical energy management adds another unknown. According to the simulations discussed by Alex Albon, several corners could be taken at between 90% and 100% throttle, depending on the car's performance. If improving grip and lower fuel loads then allow them to be taken flat out, electrical assistance requirements will change. Teams will need to anticipate those variations to avoid an unsuitable energy deployment pattern in qualifying.

Drivers also expect few overtaking opportunities, aside from positions gained at the start or through strategy. Charles Leclerc therefore wants to prioritise one-lap pace; Albon believes a car positioned in the middle of the track will be hard to pass. Practice will need to test those expectations against reality and refine the set-up, without neglecting how the car behaves on long runs.