Sports
Madrid circuit set for changes after driver criticism of inaugural Spanish GP
September 14, 2026 at 04:58 PM
Coverage
3 reports · over 4 hours
BNBBC News
Spanish Grand Prix: Madrid F1 circuit set for changes after criticism
(opens the publisher’s site)
TGThe Guardian
Spanish GP plans to change Madring after fierce criticism from F1 drivers
(opens the publisher’s site)
ESESPN
Spanish GP takeaways: Kimi Antonelli marches on as Lando Norris suffers, Madring falls flat
(opens the publisher’s site)Organisers are poised to alter the new Madring circuit after drivers criticised its lack of overtaking in the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid.
- Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli won the inaugural race, in which overtakes failed to reach double digits across 57 laps.
- Alex Albon called the race "pretty boring" and Gabriel Bortoleto said he "almost fell asleep", while Lando Norris called one section "useless" and the track "not a great racetrack".
- Organisers told F1 and governing body the FIA they are prepared to make changes to the venue for next year.
- Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff acknowledged discussions about changes, saying a track must be spectacular while still permitting overtaking.
- Lando Norris lost a likely victory after a Virtual Safety Car period cost him track position during the race.
- Lewis Hamilton retired from the Spanish Grand Prix, enduring another difficult weekend.
- McLaren team principal Andrea Stella joined drivers in calling for circuit changes to improve overtaking.