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 overtaking in race conditions. Over the weekend, the 3.36‑mile layout, which snakes around Madrid’s IFEMA exhibition centre and sits near the city’s international airport, impressed many for its technical demands, yet several competitors highlighted specific sections that could be re‑designed to create more passing opportunities. Lando Norris, who secured the first pole position at Madring and would likely have taken the victory if not for an untimely Virtual Safety Car, was blunt in his assessment. He suggested that Turns 18 and 19 be removed entirely, replacing them with a longer straight that leads into a tight hairpin.
"There are some obvious changes they should make to turn this into a great race track," the McLaren driver said. "It’s a fantastic circuit for a fast lap, but we need a layout that encourages real racing on race day." Norris elaborated that a redesign similar to Austin’s Turn 1 or Turn 10—where a wide entry feeds into a pronounced hairpin—could dramatically improve overtaking chances.
He also mentioned that more subtle tweaks, such as re‑profiling Turns 5, 6, and 7, might be necessary, though he admitted the exact solution would require careful study. "The fact you have to turn and brake in quick succession defeats the purpose of racing," he explained. "Simple changes could make a huge difference, and even a few tricky adjustments could turn this into a more exciting event for everyone." Race winner Kimi Antonelli echoed the sentiment, noting that while the circuit is enjoyable for a single lap, drivers often find themselves stuck behind slower cars during the race.
"Some corners need to be altered to create more overtaking opportunities," he said. "Right now, you can be trapped behind other cars for a long stretch, which isn’t ideal for a sport that thrives on wheel‑to‑wheel action." 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 improve passing. "It’s been a fantastic race overall, especially for a first year," he wrote, adding that the circuit’s potential is evident and that fine‑tuning could unlock even more excitement. Team principals shared the drivers’ optimism.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff praised 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 are already underway with the FIA about how to enhance the circuit for next season.
"They’ve built something that is challenging for the drivers – a mini‑Monaco – and the location is good," Wolff said. "We are already talking about how to make it even better for overtaking." Red Bull’s Martin Brundle agreed that tweaks are likely on the horizon. He pointed out that successful overtaking zones around the world often combine a fast straight with a well‑designed corner, citing Istanbul’s final sector, Hockenheim’s Turn 6, and Silverstone’s classic overtaking spots. "It’s not just about a chicane into a long straight; it’s a combination of corners that you need," Brundle explained.
He also highlighted the unique space available at Madring for additional fan events and presentations, which could make the venue a standout on the calendar. Laurent Mekies, Red Bull’s team principal, was equally enthusiastic about the venue’s potential, describing the event as "incredible" and praising the massive paddock and garage facilities.
However, he noted that the primary shortfall remains the limited overtaking opportunities. "I’m not a track designer, but I think there’s a common desire to improve the one aspect that still lags: overtaking," Mekies said. He believes the existing space around the circuit provides enough flexibility to re‑shape certain sections without compromising safety. Max Verstappen, after qualifying on Saturday, added that driver input could be valuable for future track modifications.
"In terms of track design, I think it can be better," he said. "There’s always a way to find an overtaking opportunity around a circuit, even if space seems limited. The event itself is very cool, and they did a great job making the track data available for the simulator quickly. But for better racing, a few corners could be changed." The inaugural race attracted a sold‑out crowd of 352,618 spectators, underscoring the strong interest in a Madrid‑based Grand Prix.
Organisers have indicated that they are open‑minded and eager to collaborate with the FIA and teams to refine the layout. Wolff described the circuit as a "temporary circuit" that already offers a challenging driver experience, and he expressed confidence that the upcoming tweaks will transform it into a premier racing venue. In summary, while the Madring circuit has earned praise for its technical demands and impressive infrastructure, drivers and team leaders collectively agree that targeted changes—particularly the removal or re‑profiling of Turns 18 and 19, widening entry points like those at Austin, and re‑working mid‑track corners—could significantly boost overtaking. The consensus is that with these adjustments, the track will evolve from a demanding qualifying showcase into a dynamic, race‑friendly arena that delivers the close‑quarters battles fans expect from Formula 1.