Max Verstappen says the new Madring F1 circuit is "probably a car killer" with several drivers expecting a disruptive Spanish Grand Prix weekend.

The close proximity of the walls at the high-speed track, which includes a big banked corner in the middle sector, was the big talk of the paddock on Thursday. It means Friday's practice sessions at 12.30pm and 4pm, live on Sky Sports F1, will be more important than usual.

"It's a tough track. For me, what I feel while driving, it's a little bit the same kind of sensation that I get sometimes around Jeddah in places," said Verstappen. "Of course, Jeddah is faster on average with the corners, but the walls are quite similar in how they are positioned."

Asked if it was a car killer, Verstappen added: "It probably is a car killer from what I've seen so far but you just need to try and stay out of the walls."

Last month, a two-day Formula 3 test took place at the Madring and there were 19 red flags, mostly for crashes. Williams' Carlos Sainz says the track is "different to what we're used to".

Qualifying is expected to be pivotal due to the difficulty of overtaking. Last week's shock pole-sitter Pierre Gasly believes it will create "huge adrenaline" for the drivers.