Madrid F1 Circuit Organizers Open to Layout Changes After Inaugural Race Criticism

Organizers of the new Madrid F1 circuit are prepared to make changes to the track layout for next year following criticism from drivers during the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix. While team bosses praised the facility and infrastructure, drivers complained that the circuit lacked overtaking opportunities. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli won the race, but noted that drivers often felt stuck behind one another because the design did not encourage making moves.

World champion Lando Norris described the track as not being a great racetrack and specifically called for the removal of Turns 18 and 19 to create a straight into a hairpin. Audi driver Gabriel Bortoleto said he almost fell asleep during the event, while Max Verstappen noted that passing is nearly impossible if a driver stays in the middle of the track. McLaren team principal Andrea Stella added that it currently requires a massive lap time difference to successfully overtake.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff stated that the circuit CEO is open minded about modifications and that discussions with the FIA are ongoing to determine how to improve overtaking. Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur also praised the event and the city's welcome, noting that the organizers have more latitude to make changes in Madrid than in Monaco.

The circuit, located at the Ifema exhibition centre near the international airport, is a hybrid of existing roads and purpose built sections. While one report highlighted that F1 estimated 352,000 fans attended the weekend and praised the transport logistics, another report noted social media complaints regarding poor visibility, broken facilities, and fans having to sit on earth trackside.