Formula 1 drivers urge track redesigns following Spanish Grand Prix
4 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 13, 2026, 6:48 PM
Last updated Sep 13, 2026
Formula 1 drivers criticized the track layout of the IFEMA complex in Madrid following the Spanish Grand Prix, citing a lack of overtaking opportunities. Participants, including Max Verstappen and race winner Kimi Antonelli, noted that the current design makes racing difficult and promotes dangerous defensive maneuvers. Drivers stated that they were not consulted during the design process, leading to a race described by many in the paddock as unentertaining. Williams driver Alex Albon and Haas pilot Oliver Bearman suggested specific modifications, such as removing the current chicane and adjusting braking zones, to improve future competition. Drivers are now calling for open-mindedness from the FIA and track designers to implement these changes before the series returns to the venue.
- •Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli criticized the lack of passing opportunities at the Madrid track.
- •Drivers report that the current layout makes side-by-side racing dangerous and difficult.
- •Alex Albon suggested removing the chicane between turns five and six to improve racing.
- •The FIA received driver feedback regarding layout improvements following the event.
- 7:33 PMESPN F1 — Spanish Grand Prix: F1 drivers pushing for 'obvious' changes to Madring after debut
- 6:11 PMAutosport — F1 drivers push for Madring changes after "very poor" Spanish GP: "I almost fell asleep"
- 6:05 PMMotorsport.com — "I almost fell asleep" – F1 drivers push for Madrid track changes after "very poor" Spanish GP
- 6:05 PMYahoo Sports — "I almost fell asleep" – F1 drivers push for Madrid track changes after "very poor" Spanish GP
"The Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix played out exactly as most drivers had feared. Max Verstappen said on Saturday that he could not see a single overtaking opportunity and added when speaking to the Dutch media, "Just give me the track map", to indicate that he would make numerous changes. On Sunday, overtaking did indeed prove virtually impossible, making the mood in the paddock clear after the ...Keep reading
"The Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix played out exactly as most drivers had feared. Max Verstappen said on Saturday that he could not see a single overtaking opportunity and added when speaking to the Dutch media, "Just give me the track map", to indicate that he would make numerous changes. On Sunday, overtaking did indeed prove virtually impossible, making the mood in the paddock clear after the ...Keep reading
"The Madring is considered a good qualifying track, but F1 drivers are frustrated by the lack of overtaking opportunities and the fact that they were not involved in the design process
Sources
External links- ESPN F1Sep 13, 2026, 7:33 PMSpanish Grand Prix: F1 drivers pushing for 'obvious' changes to Madring after debut
Formula 1 drivers are already pushing for changes to be made to the Madring circuit after its debut Spanish Grand Prix produced a lifeless dud.
- AutosportSep 13, 2026, 6:11 PMF1 drivers push for Madring changes after "very poor" Spanish GP: "I almost fell asleep"
The Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix played out exactly as most drivers had feared. Max Verstappen said on Saturday that he could not see a single overtaking opportunity and added when speaking to the Dutch media, "Just give me the track map", to indicate that he would make numerous changes. On Sunday, overtaking did indeed prove virtually impossible, making the mood in the paddock clear after the ...Keep reading
- Motorsport.comSep 13, 2026, 6:05 PM"I almost fell asleep" – F1 drivers push for Madrid track changes after "very poor" Spanish GP
The Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix played out exactly as most drivers had feared. Max Verstappen said on Saturday that he could not see a single overtaking opportunity and added when speaking to the Dutch media, "Just give me the track map", to indicate that he would make numerous changes. On Sunday, overtaking did indeed prove virtually impossible, making the mood in the paddock clear after the ...Keep reading
- Yahoo SportsSep 13, 2026, 6:05 PM"I almost fell asleep" – F1 drivers push for Madrid track changes after "very poor" Spanish GP
The Madring is considered a good qualifying track, but F1 drivers are frustrated by the lack of overtaking opportunities and the fact that they were not involved in the design process
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
Motorsport•Sep 13, 2026, 7:17 PM'There's no stopping Antonelli' - Hamilton says 2026 F1 title bid is over
Motorsport•Sep 13, 2026, 5:15 PMVerstappen explains Hamilton clash in Spanish GP
Motorsport•Sep 13, 2026, 4:26 PMNico Rosberg: Carlos Sainz must share blame for Madring overtaking issues
Motorsport•Sep 13, 2026, 3:58 PMRed Bull defends decision to force Verstappen to give back two positions
Motorsport•Sep 13, 2026, 2:38 PM'What the **** are you on about?!' - Max FUMES at Lewis after being forced off track- Motorsport•Sep 13, 2026, 9:26 AMFerrari could use strategy edge that Verstappen and others don't have
