Formula 1 drivers and team principals left the inaugural Madrid Grand Prix with a clear message: the new "Madring" layout, while thrilling in qualifying, needs targeted modifications to boost overtaking in race conditions. The 3.36‑mile semi‑permanent circuit, which snakes around Madrid’s IFEMA exhibition centre and sits close to the city’s international airport, delivered a packed weekend – a sold‑out crowd of 352,618 spectators – but many on‑track participants felt the track’s design limited passing opportunities. Lando Norris, who secured the first pole position at the venue and could have taken the victory if not for an untimely Virtual Safety Car, was blunt in his assessment. "There are some obvious changes they should make," he said, urging the organisers to turn the circuit into a "great race track" that matches the excitement it already offers in qualifying.
Norris suggested removing the complex of Turns 18 and 19, describing them as "useless," and replacing them with a longer straight that feeds into a tighter hairpin, similar to the layout at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas. He added, "I don’t understand how anyone could look at this design and think it’s perfect – there’s a lot of room for improvement." Race winner Kimi Antonelli echoed the sentiment, noting that while the lap was enjoyable, the race itself felt constrained. "There are some corners that need to be altered to create more overtaking chances. Right now, you’re often stuck behind other cars for long stretches," he explained.
Spanish driver Carlos Sainz, who also serves as an ambassador for the Grand Prix, posted on X that the track was "great" but required work to facilitate better passing. He praised the overall event, especially given it was the circuit’s first year, but stressed that future editions should focus on enhancing race‑craft opportunities.
Team leaders shared the drivers’ optimism. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff called the inaugural event "one of the best temporary circuits I’ve seen," highlighting its challenging nature, which he likened to a "mini‑Macau or mini‑Monaco." He revealed that organisers are already in talks with the FIA about possible layout tweaks for next year, emphasizing the desire to retain the circuit’s character while improving overtaking zones. Former driver and Sky Sports F1 analyst Martin Brundle added a broader perspective, pointing out that successful overtaking often results from a combination of corner sequences rather than a single chicane‑to‑straight layout.
He cited examples such as the final sector of Istanbul Park, Turn 6 at Hockenheim, and certain sections of Silverstone, explaining that a mix of braking zones, corner radii, and straight‑line speed creates natural passing spots. Brundle noted that the venue’s ample space offers a rare chance in Formula 1 to experiment with additional events or presentations, and he praised the organisers for being receptive to feedback. "They’re open‑minded and already discussing with the FIA how to reshape the track for better overtaking," he said.
Red Bull’s team principal Laurent Mekies was equally enthusiastic about the facility, describing the race as "incredible" and the paddock as "massive." He praised the circuit’s driver‑friendly qualities, such as the variety of corner speeds, but identified overtaking as the sole shortfall. "Even with the space we have, there are ways to create more passing opportunities," Mekies remarked, acknowledging that he is not a track designer but believes a common desire exists among teams to improve this aspect. Norris elaborated on specific changes he would like to see.
He suggested widening the entry to Turn 17‑20, drawing a parallel to the first turn at Austin, and creating a larger hairpin that would open up a clear overtaking lane. He also mentioned the possibility of re‑configuring Turns 5, 6, and 7, though he admitted the optimal solution is uncertain. "When you have to turn and brake constantly, it defeats the purpose of racing," Norris argued, urging the organisers to implement both simple and more complex adjustments.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, after qualifying on Saturday, echoed the call for design improvements. He said, "In terms of track design, I think it can be better.
Input from drivers in the future will help a lot." Verstappen dismissed the excuse that space constraints are insurmountable, insisting that a creative solution always exists to generate overtaking chances. He praised the rapid availability of track data for simulators, which helped teams prepare, but emphasized that the ultimate goal is to produce more exciting racing. Overall, the consensus among drivers, team principals, and commentators is that the Madring circuit possesses a solid foundation – a challenging layout that rewards skill in qualifying – but requires thoughtful modifications to unlock its full potential as a race‑day venue.
The willingness of the circuit’s CEO and organisers to engage with the FIA and listen to stakeholder feedback bodes well for the future. As the season moves on to the next events, including the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, eyes will be on how quickly the Madrid circuit can evolve.
If the suggested changes – such as removing or re‑shaping Turns 18‑19, widening key entry points, and adding a pronounced hairpin – are implemented, the Madring could become a hallmark of modern Formula 1, offering both driver challenge and spectator excitement in equal measure.