The debut of the Madring at the Spanish Grand Prix of Formula 1 confirmed one of the main concerns of the drivers, as overtaking was practically impossible on the new circuit. After a race considered unexciting, several competitors called for changes to the layout for 2027.
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The circuit was praised for the driving experience in a fast lap, especially in qualifying, but lost appeal during the race. Audi driver Gabriel Bortoleto summed up the feeling in the paddock, after admitting he almost fell asleep during the race: “I almost fell asleep too!”.
Race winner Kimi Antonelli shared the criticism. The Mercedes driver stated that the current design does not encourage attacks and also increases the risk of contact: “This definitely does not create overtaking opportunities and does not encourage you to try a move, because 80% of the time you can have contact,” he said. For him, some corners need to be modified, as the circuit ends up leaving drivers stuck behind other cars.
Oliver Bearman, from Haas, was even more direct in evaluating the layout. According to the Brit, just looking at the design was enough to predict difficulties in the races, mainly because there are combined corner entries and exits, which favor defense and make overtaking attempts difficult: “It’s interesting to drive, for sure, but in the race it’s very bad,” he said.
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Alex Albon also advocated relatively small changes. The Williams driver mainly pointed out the section between turns 3 and 5, suggesting straighter braking zones and the removal of the chicane, as well as a change in turn 13 to create a longer braking zone: “If F3 cars can’t overtake, then you know there won’t be overtaking throughout the weekend,” he added.
Lando Norris of McLaren presented another possibility for the final sector, proposing the elimination of turns 18 and 19, to create a longer straight to a hairpin. The British driver also compared the idea to what he considers a configuration more favorable to overtaking, while several drivers also suggested reducing the length of the pit lane, to encourage more stops and expand strategic options.
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