F1 grid demands Madrid circuit redesign after 'boring' Spanish GP

Key points

• The race at the Madring circuit in Madrid was described as 'very poor' by drivers due to a complete lack of overtaking opportunities.
• Kimi Antonelli, the race winner, stated that attempting to overtake would likely result in a crash, citing dangerous corners like the second chicane.
• Max Verstappen criticized the lack of driver input during the track's design phase, contrasting it with the Jeddah circuit which was modified after its first year.
• Oliver Bearman highlighted that combined entries and exits make defending positions too easy and attacking too difficult, a view confirmed by junior category races.
• Specific changes requested include removing the chicane at Turns 5-6, widening the entry to Turn 13, and simplifying the final sector (Turns 18-19) to resemble a hairpin.
• Drivers also requested a shorter pit lane to encourage additional stops and create more strategic variation during races.

Background

The Spanish Grand Prix was the debut of the new Madring circuit in Madrid. Prior to the race, practice sessions saw Lewis Hamilton and Oliver Bearman crash, and Lando Norris secured pole position in a dramatic final-lap dash against Kimi Antonelli. The circuit has been noted for its low runoff areas and tricky grip levels, which were evident during the weekend's sessions.

How outlets are covering it

Motorsport.com and The Race both agree that the Madrid circuit is a 'missed opportunity' for racing. Motorsport.com emphasizes the physical toll on drivers, such as headaches from the jump at Turn 5, and the lack of driver consultation during the design process. The Race frames the event as a 'massive missed opportunity,' focusing on the contrast between the track's suitability for qualifying and its failure to provide race entertainment. Both outlets highlight the consensus among drivers that minor changes could significantly improve the circuit's racing potential for 2027.

Why it matters

The feedback from the F1 grid could lead to mandatory design changes for the Madrid circuit before the 2027 season. If the FIA and circuit organizers do not implement the requested modifications, the Spanish Grand Prix may remain a static, low-entertainment event, potentially affecting its long-term viability and fan engagement. The incident also highlights a broader issue in F1 regarding the lack of driver input in the design of new circuits, a practice that was only adopted after safety issues arose at the Jeddah circuit.

What to watch

The FIA and circuit organizers will need to review the drivers' suggestions for the 2027 season. Key areas of focus will be the redesign of Turns 3-5, the banking at Turn 13, and the final sector (Turns 18-19). Additionally, the length of the pit lane may be shortened to encourage more strategic pit stops. The next F1 race is scheduled for Azerbaijan, where Lando Norris is set to test the McLaren MCL-HY hypercar.