Formula 1 drivers and team principals left the inaugural Madrid Grand Prix with a clear message: the newly built Madring circuit, while impressive in many respects, needs targeted modifications to boost overtaking opportunities for future seasons. The track, a semi‑permanent layout that snakes around the IFEMA exhibition centre and lies close to Madrid’s international airport, hosted its first race over the weekend, drawing a sold‑out crowd of 352,618 spectators. Although 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 sufficient passing zones, a sentiment that was reflected in the on‑track action.
Lando Norris, who secured the inaugural pole position and would likely 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 to turn it into a great race track," the McLaren driver said. He specifically suggested removing Turns 18 and 19, describing them as "useless," and replacing that section with a longer straight that feeds into a tight hairpin.
Norris likened the current design to something that should have been more thoughtfully considered, noting that the circuit’s challenge in qualifying does not automatically translate into exciting racing. "I think they can make it a track that’s good for racing, and I’m excited to come back next year if they can make these changes," he added. Race winner Kimi Antonelli echoed the call for revisions, pointing out that while the circuit is "nice over one lap," drivers are forced to sit behind other cars for much of the race due to a shortage of overtaking spots.
"Some corners need to be changed to create more overtaking opportunities," he said. Williams driver Carlos Sainz, who also serves as an ambassador for the Spanish Grand Prix, posted on X that the track is "great" but requires work to improve passing. He emphasized that, for a debut event, the overall experience was positive, yet highlighted the necessity of tweaking the layout to facilitate better racing. Team principals were equally supportive of the idea of future adjustments.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff praised the inaugural event as possibly "the best temporary circuit" he has seen, comparing it to a "mini Macau or a mini Monaco" and commending its challenging nature and prime location. He also confirmed that organisers are already in talks with the FIA about potential improvements for next year’s race. Sky Sports F1 analyst Martin Brundle added that he expects the circuit will undergo "tweaks" to add one or two more overtaking zones. He referenced successful overtaking sections at other venues – such as the final sector in Istanbul, Turn Six at Hockenheim, and parts of Silverstone – to illustrate that overtaking is not solely about a chicane followed by a long straight, but rather a nuanced combination of corner geometry and straight‑line speed.
Brundle noted that the circuit’s ample surrounding space offers a rare opportunity in Formula 1 to experiment with additional events or presentations, which could further enhance the venue’s appeal. Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies was similarly enthusiastic about the facility, describing the event as "incredible" and praising the massive paddock and garage areas. However, he identified overtaking as the primary shortfall, suggesting that the issue could be addressed even within the existing footprint. "I’m not a track designer, but I think there’s a common desire to improve the only aspect that remains – the overtaking opportunity," Mekies said.
Norris elaborated on his ideas, proposing a wider entry to Turn 17‑20 akin to Austin’s Turn 1 or Turn 10, creating a substantial hairpin that would open up more passing chances. He also hinted at potential adjustments to the complex of Turns 5, 6, and 7, acknowledging that some changes might be straightforward while others could be more intricate.
"The fact you have to turn and brake basically defeats the whole object of racing," he argued, urging the organisers to implement both simple and more challenging modifications to make the race more exciting for everyone. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, speaking after qualifying, concurred that the track design could be improved. He emphasized the importance of driver input in future circuit planning, dismissing excuses about limited space as "BS" and insisting that a solution for overtaking can always be found.
Verstappen also praised the rapid provision of simulator data and the overall execution of the event, while reiterating that a few corner changes could significantly enhance racing quality. Overall, the consensus among drivers, team leaders, and commentators is that the Madring circuit possesses a solid foundation – it offers a challenging layout, good facilities, and a vibrant atmosphere – but it requires thoughtful redesign of certain sections to unlock its full racing potential. The dialogue between the circuit’s organisers, the FIA, and the teams appears to be ongoing, with a clear willingness to collaborate on adjustments that will make the Madrid Grand Prix a staple of the Formula 1 calendar, delivering both driver satisfaction and thrilling on‑track battles for fans.