Formula 1 drivers and team bosses are hopeful that changes can be made to the Madring circuit after its inaugural Spanish Grand Prix highlighted concerns over overtaking.
The 3.36-mile semi-permanent circuit was praised for its challenging layout, particularly during qualifying, but passing opportunities were limited during the race.
Lando Norris, who claimed the first-ever pole at the Madring, believes there are “some obvious changes they should make” to turn it into a better racing circuit.
Norris wants major changes
Norris has called for the track’s shape to be altered, suggesting a longer straight into a hairpin instead: “They should get rid of [Turns] 18, 19. Useless.
“Just have more of a straight into a hairpin.”
The McLaren driver added: “I think there’s a lot of opportunity.”
Norris believes the changes could make the Madring “a track that is good for racing”, while admitting that the circuit is already “good fun to drive”.
The McLaren driver also suggested alterations to Turns 5, 6 and 7, arguing that the current layout makes overtaking difficult.
“The fact you have to turn and brake basically defeats the whole object of racing,” Norris said.
Race winner Kimi Antonelli agreed that changes are necessary, saying: “There are some corners that need to be changed to create more overtaking opportunities because right now, yes, it’s nice over one lap, but for sure in the race, you’re just stuck behind.”
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Team bosses back changes
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff revealed that discussions with the FIA over potential changes are already taking place.
“They are totally open-minded about next year,” Wolff said, adding that organisers are considering how to adjust the layout to create more overtaking opportunities.
He described the inaugural event as “probably one of the best, or maybe the best” first events he had seen.
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies was similarly positive, describing the event as “incredible” and the track as “a fantastic track in terms of being a driver’s track”.
However, he admitted: “I think the only shortfall is the overtaking opportunity.”
Max Verstappen also believes drivers should have greater input into circuit design.
“In terms of track design, I think it can be better,” Verstappen said. “Input from drivers in the future on track design can also help a lot.”
Sky Sports F1 analyst Martin Brundle expects “some tweaks” for next season, while stressing that successful overtaking zones require “a combination of corners” rather than simply adding a long straight.
With drivers, teams and organisers already discussing improvements, the Madring could undergo significant changes before Formula 1 returns to Madrid in 2027.
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Aidan Leo 
SportJustSport writers