Formula 1 drivers and team principals left the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at the newly built Madring circuit with a clear message: the track offers a thrilling challenge in qualifying, but it needs adjustments to promote more passing during the race. The 3.36‑mile semi‑permanent layout, which winds around Madrid’s IFEMA exhibition centre and sits near the city’s international airport, impressed many with its technical sections and high‑speed corners. Yet, the lack of genuine overtaking spots became a recurring theme throughout the weekend, prompting a chorus of suggestions for future revisions.
Lando Norris, who secured the first pole position on the circuit, was quick to point out that a few straightforward changes could transform the venue from a qualifying showcase into a "great race track". "There are some obvious changes they should make," the McLaren driver said, singling out turns 18 and 19 as particularly problematic. "Useless. Just turn them into a longer straight that leads into a hairpin," he suggested, comparing the potential redesign to the classic Austin layout where a wide entry into a tight turn creates multiple overtaking lanes.
Norris believes that by re‑profiling those sections, the circuit could retain its demanding character while offering drivers more genuine opportunities to attack each other. Race winner Kimi Antonelli echoed the sentiment, noting that while the lap was "nice" on paper, the race itself felt constrained by the current configuration. "Some corners need to be changed to create more overtaking opportunities because right now, you’re just stuck behind other cars," he explained, emphasizing that the problem was not the speed of the circuit but the way the corners forced drivers into a single line. Spanish driver Carlos Sainz, who also serves as an ambassador for the Grand Prix, took to X to praise the overall event but acknowledged the need for improvements.
"The track is great. There needs to be some work done to create better passing, but it's been a great race overall, especially for a first year," he wrote, highlighting the positive reception from fans and the sold‑out crowd of 352,618 spectators.
Team principals were equally enthusiastic about the venue’s potential. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff described the inaugural event as possibly "the best temporary circuit" he has seen, likening it to a miniature Macau or Monaco with a challenging layout and a prime location. He confirmed that discussions with the FIA are already underway to explore how the circuit can be tweaked for the 2025 season. "They've built something that is challenging for the drivers – a mini Macau or a mini Monaco – and the location is good," Wolff said, adding that the organizers are open to constructive feedback.
Red Bull’s team principal Laurent Mekies also lauded the facility, calling it an "incredible event" with a massive paddock and garage area that catered well to the teams. However, he identified overtaking as the sole shortfall. "I'm not a track designer, but I think there is a common desire to improve the overtaking opportunity," Mekies remarked, suggesting that the ample surrounding space could be used to re‑shape certain sections without compromising the circuit’s character. Martin Brundle of Sky Sports F1 offered a broader perspective on what makes a circuit conducive to passing.
He cited classic overtaking zones such as the final sector of Istanbul Park, Turn Six at Hockenheim, and the old Silverstone layout, explaining that successful passing often results from a combination of corner geometry and straight‑line speed rather than a simple chicane‑to‑straight formula. "Everybody realises that and perhaps, had there been more, they might have done it this year. I’m pretty sure this will evolve into a really nice event," Brundle said, stressing the importance of learning from proven overtaking hotspots around the world.
Max Verstappen, after qualifying, added his own viewpoint, emphasizing that driver input can be valuable in future track design discussions. "In terms of track design, I think it can be better.
I think also input from drivers in the future on track design can also help a lot," he noted, dismissing the excuse of limited space as "BS" and insisting that a solution always exists to create overtaking chances. Beyond the technical feedback, the event’s logistical success was widely praised. The quick release of simulator data, the efficient construction of the temporary circuit, and the enthusiastic fan response all contributed to a positive first impression.
Wolff, Brundle, and Mekies each highlighted the venue’s potential to become a staple on the F1 calendar, provided that the overtaking issue is addressed. Looking ahead, several concrete ideas have emerged: widening the entry to turn 1 (similar to Austin’s Turn 1), extending the straight between turns 17 and 20, and possibly re‑configuring the complex of turns 5, 6, and 7 to allow a better braking zone for overtaking.
Norris summed it up succinctly: "You create much better opportunities for everyone and you’ll be able to enjoy the race. Simple changes, maybe some trickier ones, but they’re worth doing." In summary, the inaugural Madring Grand Prix delivered an exciting, driver‑focused experience that impressed both participants and spectators. The consensus among drivers, team leaders, and commentators is that with a handful of targeted modifications—especially around turns 18, 19, and the straight‑to‑hairpin sections—the circuit could evolve from a qualifying showcase into a venue that consistently produces thrilling wheel‑to‑wheel battles.
The organizers appear receptive, and with ongoing dialogue with the FIA, the next edition of the Spanish Grand Prix promises to be even more competitive and entertaining for fans worldwide.