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 deliberate tweaks to promote overtaking in race conditions. The semi‑permanent circuit, which snakes around the IFEMA exhibition centre and sits adjacent to Madrid’s international airport, hosted its first Spanish Grand Prix over the weekend, drawing a packed audience of 352,618 spectators.
Although the 3.36‑mile track earned praise for its technical challenge, many on‑track participants warned that the current configuration limits passing opportunities, a concern that was reflected in the race’s procession of cars. Lando Norris, who secured the first pole position and was on course for victory before a Virtual Safety Car intervened, was blunt about the changes he would like to see.
"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 tighter hairpin, similar to the layout seen at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas.
"I don’t understand how anyone could call this design ‘mint’," Norris added, emphasizing that the circuit’s potential is undeniable but that its current shape hampers wheel‑to‑wheel action. Race winner Kimi Antonelli echoed the sentiment, noting that while a single lap around the circuit is enjoyable, the race itself felt "stuck behind other cars" due to a lack of viable overtaking zones. "Some corners need to be re‑profiled to create more passing chances," he said. Spanish driver Carlos Sainz, who also serves as an ambassador for the event, posted on X that the track is "great" but "needs work to improve passing," praising the overall success of the debut weekend.
Team leaders shared the drivers’ optimism. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff described the first event as possibly "the best temporary circuit" he has witnessed, likening it to a "mini‑Macau or mini‑Monaco" that offers a demanding experience for drivers.
He confirmed that organizers are already in dialogue with the FIA about potential modifications for next year. Wolff added that the venue’s spacious paddock and proximity to the airport provide unique opportunities for additional fan experiences and track‑side events. Sky Sports F1 analyst Martin Brundle suggested that the circuit could benefit from a few strategic adjustments, pointing to successful overtaking zones at other tracks such as Istanbul’s Turn 6, Hockenheim’s Turn 5, and the final sector of Silverstone.
"It’s not just about a chicane into a long straight; it’s about a combination of corners that creates a rhythm for drivers to attack," Brundle explained. He praised the organizers for their openness, noting that the circuit’s CEO has already engaged in discussions with the FIA to explore layout tweaks that would enhance passing without sacrificing the track’s character. Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies also praised the venue, calling it "incredible" and highlighting the impressive garage and paddock facilities. However, he identified overtaking as the primary shortfall, suggesting that the ample surrounding space could be used to re‑configure problematic sections.
"I’m not a track designer, but I think there’s a common desire to improve the overtaking opportunities," Mekies said. Norris offered further concrete ideas, proposing a wider entry for Turn 1 – akin to Austin’s first corner – and a more pronounced hairpin after Turn 20. He also mentioned the possibility of re‑working the complex of Turns 5, 6, and 7, acknowledging that some changes would be straightforward while others might require more intricate engineering. "The fact you have to turn and brake essentially defeats the whole object of racing," he argued, emphasizing that even modest alterations could dramatically increase the spectacle for fans.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, speaking after qualifying, concurred that the track design could be refined. He urged that driver input be considered in future redesigns, dismissing the notion that space constraints are an insurmountable barrier. "There’s always a way to find an overtaking opportunity around a track," Verstappen asserted, while also commending the organizers for the rapid release of simulator data and the overall professionalism of the event.
Beyond the drivers’ and principals’ comments, the broader F1 community sees the Madring as a promising addition to the calendar, provided that the overtaking issue is addressed. The circuit’s location offers logistical advantages, with easy access from the airport and a large surrounding area that could accommodate fan zones, concerts, and other attractions – a rarity on the modern F1 schedule. Organizers have indicated that they are receptive to suggestions and are already consulting with the FIA’s circuit design experts. In summary, while the inaugural race at the Madring delivered an exciting showcase of speed and technical skill, the consensus among drivers, team leaders, and commentators is that the layout requires targeted modifications to unlock its full racing potential.
Removing or re‑profiling Turns 18 and 19, widening key entry points, and creating a more pronounced hairpin after the main straight are among the most frequently cited ideas. With the circuit’s infrastructure already in place and the FIA’s willingness to collaborate, the next edition of the Spanish Grand Prix could evolve into a premier venue that balances driver challenge with abundant overtaking opportunities, delivering the kind of wheel‑to‑wheel battles that fans crave.
The F1 season moves on, but Madrid’s new track is poised to become a staple on the calendar, provided these thoughtful adjustments are implemented.