Madrid promises to fix Madring after drivers brand first Spanish GP a snooze
Kimi Antonelli won the first Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid on 13 September, finishing ahead of Max Verstappen — and then the debate moved from the podium to the tarmac.
Organisers of the race at the Madring have told Formula 1 and the FIA they are ready to change the track for next year. The pledge followed blunt criticism from drivers about a lack of overtaking in the inaugural event, BBC Sport reported.
The verdict from the cockpit was sharp. Williams driver Alex Albon called the race “pretty boring”. Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto said he “almost fell asleep”. McLaren’s Lando Norris went further, calling Turns 18 and 19 “useless” and saying they should be removed.
The Madring sits at the Ifema exhibition centre near Madrid’s international airport. It was the 16th round of the 2026 season and the city’s first turn as host of Spain’s race.
The layout runs to 5.414km, with 57 laps covering 308.399km, according to Formula 1. It blends existing service roads with purpose-built sections, including the banked Turn 12 known as La Monumental, where the surface is tilted to allow higher cornering speed. In total there are 22 corners.
Drivers arrived with only simulator work to guide them. Pre-race analysis had already warned that overtaking might be at a premium. That fear held. The field largely queued in order once the positions settled.
Team bosses said the message had landed. Ferrari principal Frederic Vasseur said organisers were keen to make modifications in future. Mercedes principal Toto Wolff said the circuit’s chief executive was open-minded about changes and had already spoken to the FIA about improving the layout for overtaking.
Drivers were not involved in drawing the circuit. That detail stung after the race, with several suggesting small layout fixes could unlock closer fights.
For fans, this means Madrid stays on the agenda, but not as is. Expect revised corners, not a new address. The bones are striking, with tight walls and climbs up towards the Carcavas neighbourhood, yet the racing needs more room to breathe.
