F1 Drivers Push for Madring Changes After "Very Poor" Spanish GP: "I Almost Fell Asleep"
Drivers said the 5.414km layout leaves overtaking almost impossible and urged shorter pitlane and corner changes for 2027.
- On Sunday, Formula 1 drivers criticized the new Madrid circuit after its debut Spanish Grand Prix produced a lifeless race with few overtaking opportunities, dubbed a "car killer" by four-time champion Max Verstappen.
- Haas driver Oliver Bearman argued the layout makes attacking difficult and defending too easy, with drivers specifically identifying the chicane at Turns 5 and 6 as primary obstacles to competitive racing.
- World champion Lando Norris questioned how such an unattractive design was approved, while Audi driver Gabriel Bortoleto joked he "almost fell asleep" due to the lack of action during the 50-lap race.
- Drivers urged the FIA to implement design changes, noting they were not sufficiently consulted during planning; Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur credited organizers for event infrastructure despite the racing concerns.
- Modifications to widen entries or create big hairpins could salvage the venue for 2027, though current conditions leave the track widely regarded as poor for racing by the grid.
13 Articles
13 Articles
After some interesting qualifications, the Spanish Grand Prix was rather boring on the new circuit of the Madring and the drivers would like to see the route changed by next year to promote the overtakings that were not numerous on Sunday.
Drivers give cool reception to new Madring circuit
Most drivers were unenthusiastic about the race, with one suggesting he "almost fell asleep" while world champion Lando Norris questioned how such an unattractive track design could be approved. The race featured very few true passing moves and made a circuit that was dubbed a "car killer" during the practice sessions into an 'no-overtaking zone' on Sunday. Racing Bulls’ rookie Arvid Lindblad admitted it "was not the most exciting race" while …
F1 drivers push for Madring changes after "very poor" Spanish GP: "I almost fell asleep"
After F1's first visit to the Madring, the track is considered good for qualifying track, but not racing. Now, drivers are frustrated that they were not involved in the design process
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