Max Verstappen predicts 'big shunts' at Madrid F1 weekend

Max Verstappen has predicted that there will be some “big shunts” throughout the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix weekend.

The Circuito de Madring will host its first F1 race event in the coming days, becoming the newest track to join the schedule.

The street circuit will pose a high-speed challenge for the drivers as they bid to become the first to stand on the top step of the podium at the venue.

At a recent Formula 3 test from Madrid, 19 red flags were deployed across two days, 11 of which were for contact with the barriers.

It has created speculation that the track could be the scene of multiple collisions throughout the weekend.

When asked if he has driven the track on his home setup, Verstappen replied: “Yeah I did, we also have it on the F1 sim. 

“It's going to be very difficult. It's not an easy track. If you do a few laps in a row, it's always hard to cross the line and say 'I nailed the lap'.

“It's very hard. It also has a tendency of creating some big shunts in some places.”

F1 has seen an increase in visits to street circuits in recent years, with Jeddah, Miami and Las Vegas among those that have been included in the calendar.

Verstappen has likened the Madrid track to Jeddah, which is known as one of the most challenging circuits on the schedule.

“It reminds me a little bit of Jeddah in a way, with fast corners and the walls being very close,” he added.