Formula One competitors and team leaders left the inaugural Madrid Grand Prix with a clear message: the new Madring layout, while impressive in many respects, needs targeted modifications to boost overtaking possibilities for future events. The circuit, a semi‑permanent track winding around the IFEMA exhibition centre and situated near Madrid’s international airport, hosted its first race over the weekend, drawing a packed crowd of 352,618 spectators. Drivers praised the 3.36‑mile (5.41‑km) configuration for delivering a demanding qualifying lap, yet many voiced concerns that the race itself suffered from a shortage of genuine passing opportunities. Lando Norris, who secured the first pole position and was poised to claim victory before a Virtual Safety Car intervened, was outspoken about the need for "obvious changes" to transform the venue into a truly great race track.
Norris suggested eliminating Turns 18 and 19, describing them as "useless," and replacing that section with a longer straight that would feed into a tighter hairpin. He likened the current design to a missed opportunity, saying, "I don’t know how someone looks at this design and goes, ‘Mint.’" He added that with a few straightforward tweaks, the circuit could become both fun to drive and exciting to watch, and he expressed eagerness to return next year if those adjustments are made. Race winner Kimi Antonelli echoed the sentiment, noting that while the lap was enjoyable, the race felt "stuck behind other cars" because of limited overtaking zones. He called for changes to specific corners to create more passing chances, emphasizing that a competitive race requires more than a single‑lap spectacle.
Spanish driver Carlos Sainz, who also serves as an ambassador for the Grand Prix, posted on X that the track was "great" but admitted that work is needed to improve passing. He praised the overall event, especially considering it was the first year, and encouraged the organisers to keep refining the circuit. Team principals shared the drivers' optimism. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff described the inaugural event as possibly "the best temporary circuit" he has witnessed, comparing it to a "mini Macau or a mini Monaco" in terms of driver challenge and location advantage.
He confirmed that discussions with the FIA are already underway to explore how the layout can be tweaked for the 2025 season. Sky Sports F1 analyst Martin Brundle elaborated on what makes a track conducive to overtaking. He cited classic overtaking hotspots such as the final sector of Istanbul Park, Turn Six at Hockenheim, and the old Silverstone layout, explaining that successful passing zones often result from a blend of corner types rather than a simple chicane‑to‑straight formula. Brundle highlighted the unique space available at Madring, suggesting that the organisers could host additional events or fan experiences while also re‑configuring certain sections to encourage more battles on track.
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies praised the venue’s infrastructure, noting the massive paddock and garage areas, and called the circuit "incredible" from a driver’s perspective because of its varied corner speeds. However, he identified overtaking as the primary shortfall, stating that the issue could likely be addressed within the existing footprint of the track.
Mekies admitted he is not a track designer but believes there is a collective desire among teams to improve the one area that remains lacking. Norris offered further concrete ideas, proposing a wider entry to Turn 17‑20 similar to Austin’s Turn 1 or Turn 10, which would create a big hairpin and open up a new overtaking corridor. He also mentioned the possibility of re‑working the complex at Turns 5‑7, acknowledging that while some changes are simple, others may be more technically challenging. His overarching point was that reducing the number of tight braking zones would align the circuit more closely with the core objective of racing: allowing drivers to carry speed and overtake.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, speaking after Saturday’s qualifying, agreed that the track design could be refined. He urged that driver input be taken into account for future revisions, dismissing the excuse of limited space as "BS" and insisting that a solution can always be found to create overtaking opportunities.
Verstappen also complimented the organisational side of the event, praising the rapid release of simulator data and the overall professionalism of the host. Beyond the drivers’ and principals’ comments, the broader F1 community sees the Madring as a promising addition to the calendar. Its proximity to Madrid’s airport, modern facilities, and the ability to host a large number of spectators make it an attractive venue.
Yet the consensus is clear: without deliberate adjustments to the layout, the circuit risks being remembered more for its qualifying spectacle than for memorable on‑track battles. Potential modifications under discussion include: 1. Removing or re‑profiling Turns 18‑19 to create a longer straight that feeds into a tighter hairpin, increasing slip‑stream opportunities. 2.
Widening the entry to the final sector (Turns 17‑20) to emulate successful overtaking zones seen at Austin. 3. Re‑shaping the Turn 5‑7 complex to reduce excessive braking and allow higher‑speed cornering, which can lead to better passing chances. 4.
Adding a short run‑off area after a high‑speed corner to enable drivers to attempt late‑braking overtakes safely. 5. Incorporating a DRS‑friendly straight of at least 800‑900 metres to give cars a clear speed advantage for passing. If these changes are implemented, the Madring could evolve from a "mini‑Monaco" into a venue that balances technical challenge with genuine race‑craft excitement.
The FIA, alongside the circuit’s CEO, appears receptive to feedback, and the ongoing dialogue suggests that revisions are likely to be part of the 2025 race weekend plan. In summary, the inaugural Madrid Grand Prix delivered a thrilling debut for a new circuit, but the collective voice of drivers, team principals, and commentators underscores a shared desire for a more overtaking‑friendly layout. By addressing the identified problem areas—particularly the tight, low‑speed sections and the lack of long straights—the organisers have the opportunity to transform Madring into a staple of the Formula One calendar that offers both a demanding technical test and frequent, exciting battles for position.