Organisers of Formula 1’s new Madrid Grand Prix are preparing to revise the Madring circuit ahead of next season after drivers criticised the lack of overtaking during the venue’s debut race.
The new track, built around the Ifema exhibition centre near Madrid-Barajas Airport, received broadly positive feedback for its technical challenge in qualifying. However, the race itself exposed concerns over how difficult it was for drivers to follow rivals and attempt passes.
Several competitors felt the layout offered too few realistic overtaking opportunities. Williams driver Alex Albon described the race as lacking action, while Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto also suggested the event became particularly uneventful from inside the cockpit.
World champion Lando Norris was similarly critical of parts of the design, particularly the sequence around Turns 18 and 19. The McLaren driver believes that section could be simplified into a longer straight followed by a tighter braking zone, creating a clearer opportunity for drivers to attack.
Organisers Open to Circuit Revisions
Despite the criticism, Formula 1 team principals were impressed by the overall organisation and infrastructure surrounding Madrid’s first race.
Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur praised the venue, its location and the welcome provided by the city, while acknowledging that the racing itself could be improved. He suggested Madrid has considerably more flexibility than established street circuits such as Monaco when it comes to altering the layout.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff also viewed the event as an impressive debut for a temporary circuit. He highlighted the space available around the venue and the demanding nature of the track but said discussions were already taking place over changes that could improve overtaking.
According to Wolff, circuit management has been receptive to feedback from both Formula 1 and the FIA and is prepared to adjust sections of the layout before the championship returns.
Race winner Kimi Antonelli also believes modifications are necessary. The Mercedes driver felt the current configuration discourages overtaking because many attempted moves carry a high risk of contact. While he enjoyed the circuit over a single qualifying lap, he found following another car during the race far more restrictive.
Debut Event Faces Wider Criticism
The concerns were not limited to the racing.
Fans also raised complaints on social media about access to the circuit, limited visibility from some areas and unfinished or inadequate facilities. Some spectators reported having to sit on bare earth alongside the track, adding to criticism that parts of the venue were not fully prepared for the inaugural event.
Organisers had faced a tight construction schedule before Madrid’s first Grand Prix.
Madring combines existing roads around the Ifema complex with specially constructed permanent sections. Its most recognisable feature is the banked Turn 12, known as La Monumental.
Managing director Luis Garcia Abad, previously the manager of two-time Formula 1 champion Fernando Alonso, indicated after the race that the FIA had already identified areas where the layout could be improved.
Because significant parts of the temporary track must be installed again before next year’s event, organisers have an opportunity to make changes without completely redesigning the venue.
The aim will be to preserve the challenge that drivers enjoyed in qualifying while creating stronger braking zones and more chances for wheel-to-wheel racing.
With Formula 1, the FIA and Madring management all expected to discuss possible revisions, Madrid’s second Grand Prix could feature a noticeably different circuit when the championship returns in 2027.