Formula 1 drivers and team principals left the inaugural Madrid Grand Prix with a clear message: the new Madring layout offers a thrilling challenge for qualifying laps, but it needs targeted tweaks to unlock more overtaking possibilities for future races. The circuit, a semi‑permanent track that snakes around the IFEMA exhibition centre and sits close to Madrid’s international airport, hosted its first event over the weekend, drawing a packed crowd of 352,618 spectators. While the 3.36‑mile (5.41‑km) configuration earned praise for its high‑speed technical sections, many on‑track participants voiced concerns that the race itself would suffer from a dearth of passing zones.
Lando Norris, who secured the inaugural pole position and was on course for victory before a Virtual Safety Car intervened, was blunt about the changes he would like to see. "There are some obvious changes they should make to turn it into a great race track," the McLaren driver said. "They should get rid of Turns 18 and 19 – they’re essentially useless.
Replace them with a longer straight that feeds into a hairpin, similar to the layout at Austin. It’s hard to understand how anyone could call the current design ‘mint’ when it limits overtaking so much." Norris continued, "If they can make those adjustments, the circuit could become both fun to drive and exciting to watch. I’m looking forward to returning next year if they act on this feedback." Race winner Kimi Antonelli echoed the sentiment, noting that while the lap time was impressive, the race felt “stuck behind other cars” due to limited passing spots.
"Some corners need to be re‑profiled to create genuine overtaking chances," he explained. "Otherwise, drivers spend too much time in a procession rather than battling for position." Spanish driver Carlos Sainz, who also serves as an ambassador for the Grand Prix, posted on X: "The track is great, but we need work to improve passing. Still, a fantastic race for a first year." His comment summed up the general optimism mixed with constructive criticism that permeated the paddock.
Team principals were equally supportive of the idea that the circuit could evolve. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff called the event "one of the best temporary circuits I’ve seen," praising its challenging nature and its resemblance to a miniature Macau or Monaco. He added that discussions with the FIA were already underway to explore how the layout could be refined for the 2025 season.
"We have a unique space here that allows us to experiment with little events and presentations, which is rare in F1," Wolff said. "The tricky part is balancing a spectacular driver‑friendly track with ample overtaking opportunities." Former driver‑turned‑commentator Martin Brundle, speaking for Sky Sports F1, highlighted specific sections that could be tweaked. "I think they’ll add one or two overtaking zones next year.
Everybody knows that, and if they had more time they might have done it this year. Look at Istanbul’s final sector, Turn 6 at Hockenheim, or the old Silverstone layout – it’s not just a chicane into a straight, it’s a combination of corners that creates a passing window." Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies praised the venue’s infrastructure, describing the paddock and garage facilities as "massive" and the overall event as "incredible." However, he also noted the primary shortfall: overtaking. "Even with the space we have, we can likely re‑profile certain sections to improve passing," Mekies said.
"I’m not a track designer, but the consensus among drivers is that overtaking is the main area for improvement." Norris offered further concrete suggestions. He proposed widening the entry to Turn 20, drawing a parallel to Austin’s Turn 1 and Turn 10, which feature a broad, fast‑approach hairpin that encourages multiple racing lines.
He also mentioned the possibility of reworking Turns 5, 6 and 7, acknowledging that any changes would need careful analysis to avoid compromising the circuit’s flow. "The fact you have to brake hard into a tight corner defeats the whole purpose of racing," he explained.
"Simple, sensible changes could make a huge difference for the spectacle." Max Verstappen, after qualifying on Saturday, added his perspective: "The track design can be better. Driver input will be crucial for future revisions. There’s always a way to create overtaking opportunities, even if space seems limited.
Overall, the event was very well organised and the simulator data was shared quickly, which helped us prepare. But for better racing, a few corners need to be altered." The consensus among drivers, team leaders, and commentators is that the Madring circuit has a solid foundation but requires fine‑tuning to become a true overtaking haven. Potential modifications include: 1. **Removing or re‑profiling Turns 18‑19** – replacing them with a straight‑to‑hairpin section to generate a high‑speed braking zone.
2. **Widening Turn 20’s entry** – similar to Austin’s first turn, allowing multiple lines and side‑by‑side battles.
3. **Adjusting the mid‑circuit complex (Turns 5‑7)** – smoothing the sequence to create a longer acceleration zone before a heavy braking point.
4. **Introducing a DRS‑friendly straight** – extending the back‑straight to increase slip‑streaming opportunities. These changes could transform the circuit from a qualifying showcase into a race where drivers can execute daring passes, thereby enhancing the viewing experience for fans worldwide.
The organisers, the FIA, and the circuit’s management appear receptive, with Wolff noting that the circuit’s CEO has already begun discussions about layout tweaks. As the first season concludes, the collective hope is that the Madring will evolve into a venue that combines technical challenge with abundant overtaking, cementing its place on the F1 calendar for years to come.