Ferrari’s filming day at the Madring circuit has sparked controversy, with rumours circulating about whether the venue helped finance the visit.
The Madring is set to host its first full F1 field on September 11, when cars take to the track for Spanish Grand Prix practice ahead of the race on September 13.
Ferrari used one of their designated filming days to run at the freshly tarmacked circuit earlier this week, drawing attention from across the paddock.
Reports emerged suggesting the circuit may have contributed financially to the filming day, raising significant concerns given the sport’s strict cost cap regulations.
Under F1’s financial rules, any outside contribution to a team’s costs could constitute a serious regulatory breach, with potentially severe consequences for the team involved.
The optics of a brand new circuit handing even a minor advantage to one team would have been deeply problematic for the sport, regardless of where it sat in the rulebook.
GPFans reached out to both Ferrari and the Madring for comment, and the circuit issued a firm and unambiguous denial of any financial involvement.
Asked whether Madring provided any financial support or covered any of Ferrari’s costs for the evening, a spokesperson replied: “That’s completely untrue. Ferrari paid MADRING to come and carry out the filming day.”
The Madring spokesperson also addressed the broader purpose of the event, stating: “It has helped showcase to the world that our circuit is ready and has also allowed us to test our operations internally, but it was one of the filming days that teams are permitted under the regulations, and the initiative came from Ferrari. That was the event intention, to do a filming day.”
The spokesperson confirmed no other teams can now replicate the visit, adding: “It’s no longer possible. Under the regulations, filming days must take place at least 60 days before the event. The date was deliberately set as late as the rules allowed to make sure we would be ready in time. As for next year, who knows?”
Ferrari’s filming day took place on July 9, sitting right at the edge of the permitted window, with 60 days before Spanish Grand Prix practice falling on July 13.
The tight timing reflects careful planning from both parties to maximise their preparation time while remaining fully compliant with F1 regulations.