Spanish GP: New Madrid F1 circuit to undergo changes after ‘boring’ debut
Madrid’s brand-new Formula 1 circuit is already set for a makeover after its debut race left drivers and fans underwhelmed.
The Spanish Grand Prix moved from Barcelona to the new Madring - a temporary layout mixing existing roads and permanent sections at the Ifema exhibition centre near the city’s airport.
The opening event delivered a processional race with almost no overtaking, despite drivers praising the track’s challenge over a single lap.
Drivers slam lack of overtaking
Williams’ Alex Albon called the race “pretty boring” while Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto admitted that he “almost fell asleep.”
Race winner Kimi Antonelli was blunt: “It definitely doesn't create overtaking opportunities and it doesn't push you to try and make a move because 80% of the time you might have a contact.
"There are some corners that need to be changed to create more overtaking opportunities because right now, yes, it's nice over one lap, but for sure in the race you're just stuck behind.”
World champion Lando Norris went further, labelling one section "useless" and saying the layout could be changed to become a better racetrack.
He suggested scrapping Turns 18 and 19 for a longer straight into a hairpin, adding: "I don’t know how someone looks at this design and goes, ‘mint’."
Team bosses praise the event
Despite the lack of overtakes, team bosses were far more positive about the overall event.
Ferrari’s Frederic Vasseur said: "First, I have to say that we can discuss about overtaking, but overall, for me, the event was mega,” but added that the organisers “are keen to do modifications in the future."
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff called it "probably one of the best, or maybe the best” first race he had seen, likening the track to “a mini Macau or a mini Monaco."
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Organisers confirm changes for 2027
Circuit managing director Luis Garcia Abad has already confirmed changes are coming.
"The FIA defined clearly which is the way to improve the track layout, and we will be open because we will have to reinstall the track for the next year.
"I really believe that the drivers enjoyed qualifying a lot. But for sure we will try to make an improvement for next year.
"We have the space, we have a venue, we have the facilities, we have the capacity to do it. I'm sure that FOM [Formula One Management], FIA and ourselves, we will try. If we can improve something, we will do it."
Spanish driver Carlos Sainz, one of the event ambassadors, stressed the site has room to evolve: "It’s a fantastic track for qualifying, but it also needs to be fantastic for racing."
With space available and organisers openly collaborating with the FIA, the Madring looks set to return in improved form in 2027.
