New Madrid track draws driver criticism as Verstappen says overtaking will be nearly impossible

Max Verstappen has urged Formula 1 to consult drivers on circuit design after qualifying third at the new Madrid track, where he said overtaking will be almost impossible.

• Verstappen said the Madring layout offers no genuine passing opportunities, adding that driver input on future track designs would help promote racing.
• He said the banked La Monumental corner did not live up to expectations because drivers must ration battery energy, forcing him to lift on approach. "I wanted to go flat, but then my battery died," he said.
• In final practice, Lewis Hamilton crashed at the final corner after his tyres stopped rotating, triggering a red flag that stopped the session with roughly half an hour remaining before it resumed.