Organisers of the Spanish Grand Prix are considering changes to the new Madrid circuit after drivers criticised the layout following its inaugural Formula 1 race at the weekend. The new Madring circuit attracted praise for its technical challenge during qualifying and individual laps, but several drivers raised concerns about the limited overtaking opportunities during the race.
Williams driver Alex Albon described the race as “pretty boring”, while Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto said the lack of action was so noticeable that he “almost fell asleep”. Drivers generally agreed that the circuit provided an interesting challenge over a single lap. However, concerns were raised about whether the track was capable of producing exciting wheel-to-wheel racing.
World champion Lando Norris was particularly critical of parts of the layout, describing one section as unnecessary and saying the circuit was not yet good enough for racing. Despite the criticism from drivers, several team principals praised Madrid for successfully hosting its first Grand Prix and highlighted the quality of the wider event and facilities at the Ifema exhibition centre, located close to Madrid’s international airport.
Organisers open to changes
The organisers have indicated that they are willing to work with Formula 1 and the FIA to modify the circuit ahead of next year’s race. Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur praised the overall event and the welcome received by teams in Madrid. He acknowledged the concerns over overtaking but said the organisers appeared willing to make adjustments to improve the circuit.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff also gave the venue a positive assessment, particularly considering it was hosting its first race. Wolff described the temporary circuit as challenging for drivers and compared elements of it to a smaller version of circuits such as Macau and Monaco. He said Madrid had created a strong event and noted that the venue offered considerable space for additional activities and presentations.
However, Wolff acknowledged that the major challenge would be ensuring the track was not only enjoyable to drive but also capable of producing more overtaking. According to Wolff, he had spoken with the circuit’s chief executive about possible changes, with discussions already taking place with the FIA on how the layout could be improved. He said the organisers were open to making adjustments and understood the need to tweak sections of the circuit to improve racing.
Antonelli calls for changes
Race winner Kimi Antonelli was among the drivers calling for modifications to the circuit. The Mercedes driver said the current layout did not encourage drivers to attempt overtaking because many potential moves carried a high risk of contact. Antonelli suggested that some corners should be redesigned to create more opportunities for drivers to pass each other. He acknowledged that the circuit was enjoyable over a single lap but argued that its current configuration could leave drivers stuck behind one another during the race.
Norris identifies sections he wants removed
Norris also called for specific changes to the layout, arguing that there was considerable room to improve the circuit’s racing characteristics. The McLaren driver pointed to Turns 18 and 19, which he said should be removed. Norris suggested replacing that section with a longer straight leading into a hairpin, which could provide drivers with a better opportunity to overtake.
Although critical of the current design, Norris said he enjoyed driving the circuit and believed Madrid could develop it into a strong racing venue. He expressed optimism about returning for the next edition if the proposed modifications are made.
Fans raise concerns over facilities
Criticism was not limited to the circuit layout. Some Formula 1 fans took to social media to complain about aspects of their experience at the new venue, including access, visibility and facilities. Among the complaints were reports of spectators having to sit on earth areas beside the track, limited views from some locations and facilities that were either not functioning properly or appeared unfinished.
There were also concerns about the overall readiness of the venue. The organisers had faced a demanding schedule to prepare the new circuit and surrounding facilities in time for its first Formula 1 event.
Madrid circuit combines existing roads and permanent sections
The Madring is not a conventional fully permanent circuit. Its layout combines existing roads around the Ifema exhibition complex with specially constructed sections of permanent track. One of its most recognisable features is the banked Turn 12, known as La Monumental. The combination of temporary and permanent sections was part of Madrid’s approach to creating a Formula 1 venue close to the city’s international airport and exhibition facilities.
Organisers promise improvements
Madring managing director Luis Garcia Abad, who previously worked as the manager of two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso, did not respond to requests for comment from BBC Sport. However, speaking to Autosport after the race, Garcia Abad acknowledged that improvements could be made to the circuit.
He said the FIA had already identified potential ways of improving the layout and that organisers would be open to implementing changes when the circuit is reinstalled for next year’s race. Garcia Abad also defended the circuit’s performance during qualifying, saying drivers appeared to enjoy the challenge of completing a single lap.
At the same time, he acknowledged the need to improve the racing experience. He said Madrid has the necessary space, facilities and capacity to modify the layout and that the organisers would work with Formula One Management (FOM) and the FIA to identify improvements. The first Madrid Grand Prix has therefore provided organisers with an opportunity to assess the circuit under race conditions and identify areas that could be changed before Formula 1 returns next year.
