Formula 1 competitors and team principals left the inaugural Madrid Grand Prix with a clear message: the new "Madring" layout has plenty of character, but it needs tweaks to unlock better passing opportunities for future races. The circuit, a semi‑permanent track that snakes around the IFEMA exhibition centre and sits beside Madrid’s international airport, hosted its first event over the weekend, drawing a sold‑out crowd of 352,618 spectators.
While the 3.36‑mile (5.41‑km) configuration earned praise for delivering a demanding qualifying lap, many drivers voiced concerns that the race itself lacked genuine overtaking zones, a sentiment that was reflected in the on‑track action. McLaren’s Lando Norris, who secured pole position and might have taken the win if not for a late Virtual Safety Car, was blunt about the changes he would like to see. "There are some obvious changes they should make to turn this into a great race track," he said, suggesting the removal of Turns 18 and 19, which he described as "useless," and replacing them with a longer straight that feeds into a tight hairpin, similar to the layout at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas.
Norris believes such a modification would preserve the challenge of qualifying while creating a genuine overtaking corridor for the race. "I don’t understand how anyone can look at this design and think it’s perfect – there’s a lot of opportunity to improve," he added. Race winner Kimi Antonelli echoed the call for more passing spots, noting that while the circuit is enjoyable for a single lap, drivers often find themselves stuck behind one another during the race.
"Some corners need to be re‑shaped to create overtaking chances. Right now, it’s nice for a lap, but in race conditions you’re just tail‑gating," he explained. Spanish driver Carlos Sainz, who also serves as an ambassador for the Grand Prix, posted on X that the track is "great" but acknowledged the need for work to enhance passing.
"It’s been a fantastic race for a first year, but we need to improve the overtaking," he wrote. Team principals were equally enthusiastic about the venue’s potential. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff called the inaugural event "one of the best" he has seen, praising the temporary circuit’s blend of driver challenge and scenic location.
He confirmed that discussions are already underway with the FIA about possible layout adjustments for next year. "It feels like a mini‑Monaco or mini‑Macau – a challenging street circuit with a superb setting," Wolff said. Red Bull’s team principal Laurent Mekies also lauded the facility, describing it as "incredible" and highlighting the spacious paddock and garage areas.
However, he identified overtaking as the primary shortfall, noting that even with the existing space there are likely design solutions to improve passing. "I’m not a track designer, but I think we all want to address the overtaking issue," Mekies said.
Martin Brundle of Sky Sports F1 offered a broader perspective, pointing out that successful overtaking often results from a combination of corner types rather than a simple chicane‑to‑straight formula. He cited examples such as the final sector of Istanbul Park, Turn 6 at Hockenheim, and the classic overtaking zones at Silverstone, emphasizing that a nuanced approach is required. "We will probably see a few tweaks for next year to add one or two more overtaking places. Everybody knows that, and perhaps if we had more, we would have implemented them this year," Brundle remarked.
Norris further detailed his ideas, suggesting a wider entry to Turn 1 (or Turn 10) similar to Austin’s layout, and a broader hairpin that could generate more overtaking chances. He also mentioned the possibility of re‑configuring Turns 5, 6, and 7, though he admitted the exact solution would need careful study. "The current sequence of turning and braking defeats the purpose of racing. Simple changes could make a huge difference," he said.
Max Verstappen, speaking after Saturday’s qualifying, agreed that the track design could be refined. "Drivers’ input on future designs would be valuable. There’s always a way to create overtaking opportunities, even if space seems limited," he asserted.
Verstappen also praised the event’s organization and the rapid provision of simulator data for teams, noting that the overall experience was very positive. Overall, the consensus among drivers, team leaders, and commentators is that the Madring circuit has a solid foundation but requires targeted modifications to become a true racing showcase. The discussions already in progress with the FIA and the circuit’s management suggest that next year’s event could feature a revised layout that balances technical challenge with multiple genuine passing zones.
Such changes would not only satisfy the competitors but also enhance the spectacle for the 350,000‑plus fans who flocked to Madrid for the inaugural race, ensuring that the Spanish Grand Prix quickly becomes a highlight on the F1 calendar.