Formula 1 pilots and team principals left the inaugural Madrid Grand Prix with a clear message: the brand‑new Madring layout, while exciting, needs targeted changes to boost overtaking in future seasons. The circuit, a semi‑permanent track that snakes around the IFEMA exhibition centre and sits adjacent to Madrid’s international airport, hosted its first race over the weekend, drawing a packed crowd of 352,618 spectators. Drivers praised the technical challenge it presented during qualifying, but many voiced concerns that the race itself suffered from a shortage of passing opportunities. Lando Norris, who secured the first pole position at the venue and might have taken the win if not for an untimely Virtual Safety Car, was blunt about the modifications he would like to see.
"There are some obvious changes they should make," he said, describing the circuit as a "great race track" that could become even better with a few tweaks. Norris specifically suggested removing Turns 18 and 19, calling them "useless," and replacing that section with a longer straight that feeds into a hairpin, similar to the layout at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas. He added that the current design feels oddly disconnected from the excitement drivers crave, and he hopes the organisers will act on his feedback for next year’s event. Race winner Kimi Antonelli echoed the sentiment, noting that while the lap was enjoyable, the race felt "stuck" behind other cars due to limited overtaking zones.
"Some corners need to be changed to create more passing chances," he explained, emphasizing that a more dynamic race would benefit both drivers and fans. Spanish driver Carlos Sainz, who also serves as an ambassador for the Grand Prix, posted on X that the track is "great" but requires work to improve passing. He praised the overall quality of the first‑year event, acknowledging the challenges of designing a brand‑new circuit that must balance driver satisfaction with spectator excitement.
Team boss Toto Wolff was equally impressed with the inaugural weekend, calling it possibly "the best temporary circuit" he has seen. He confirmed that discussions are already underway with the FIA to explore how the layout can be refined for the next edition.
Wolff highlighted the circuit’s "mini‑Macau or mini‑Monaco" feel, noting its location and infrastructure as major strengths, but he also stressed the need for "more overtaking places" to elevate the racing spectacle. Former driver and Sky Sports F1 analyst Martin Brundle weighed in, suggesting that organisers could learn from other venues known for strong passing zones, such as the final sector of Istanbul Park, Turn Six at Hockenheim, and the classic overtaking spot at Silverstone. He argued that overtaking is not simply a matter of adding a chicane before a long straight; rather, it requires a nuanced combination of corner geometry, braking zones, and track width.
Brundle also hinted at the potential for ancillary events and fan experiences, given the ample space surrounding the circuit—a rarity on the F1 calendar. Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies shared a similarly enthusiastic view of the facility, describing it as "incredible" with a massive paddock and garage area.
However, he identified overtaking as the sole shortfall, believing that the existing footprint offers room for improvement. "I'm not a track designer," Mekies admitted, "but there is a common desire to enhance the overtaking opportunities." Norris expanded on his earlier suggestions, proposing that the stretch from Turn 17 to Turn 20 be widened, akin to Austin’s Turn 1 or Turn 10, to create a broader entry and a more pronounced hairpin. He also mentioned the possibility of revisiting Turns 5, 6, and 7, though he acknowledged the complexity of finding the optimal solution.
"If you have to turn and brake constantly, it defeats the purpose of racing," he argued, urging the organisers to implement both simple and more intricate changes to make the race more exciting for everyone. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, speaking after Saturday’s qualifying, agreed that the track design could be refined. He emphasized the importance of driver input in future layout decisions, dismissing excuses about limited space as "BS" and insisting that creative solutions always exist to create overtaking zones.
Verstappen also praised the rapid provision of simulator data, which helped teams prepare efficiently for the new circuit. Overall, the consensus among drivers, team principals, and commentators is that the Madring circuit has a solid foundation but requires deliberate modifications to unlock its full racing potential. The proposed changes range from removing or re‑profiling specific corners to widening key sections and adding new straight‑line sections that feed into tight hairpins.
Such adjustments aim to preserve the technical challenge that impressed drivers in qualifying while delivering the wheel‑to‑wheel battles that define a memorable Grand Prix. Looking ahead, the F1 community expects the organisers, in collaboration with the FIA and circuit owners, to study successful overtaking models from other tracks and apply those lessons to Madring.
If they succeed, the Madrid Grand Prix could evolve from a promising debut into a staple of the calendar, offering both a driver‑friendly layout and a thrilling spectacle for fans worldwide. The next edition promises to be a pivotal moment for the circuit’s identity, and the collective hope is that the suggested tweaks will transform the venue into a true racing showcase.