Organisers of the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix at Madrid’s new Madring circuit are preparing layout modifications for the 2027 event to address a lack of overtaking opportunities that defined the venue’s inaugural weekend. The 5.4km track, constructed around the IFEMA fairgrounds, earned praise for its facilities and qualifying challenge but produced limited on-track action across F1, F2, and F3 races.
Overtaking Issues Dominate Post-Race Analysis
The primary passing zone was intended to be the Turn 5 chicane at the end of the circuit’s longest straight. However, the corner’s geometry—requiring combined braking and steering—allowed leading cars to defend easily. Drivers raised these concerns during Friday night’s briefing, highlighting multiple corners where simultaneous braking and turning neutralized overtaking potential. The circuit’s lengthy pitlane was also criticised for discouraging alternative pitstop strategies.
Organisers Commit to Changes for 2027
Speaking exclusively to Motorsport.com after Sunday’s race, event managing director Luis Garcia Abad confirmed his team is ready to implement necessary modifications. He revealed that the FIA has already provided specific recommendations for the 2027 layout.
“Being honest with you, the FIA defined clearly which is the way to improve the track layout, and we will be open because we will have to reinstall the track for the next year,”
Abad told Motorsport.com.
“I really believe that the drivers enjoyed qualifying a lot. But for sure we will try to make an improvement for next year.”
The Madrid race is the first year of a 10-year contract. With the northern half of the circuit built on previously empty land, Abad emphasised the physical capacity for significant revisions.
“We have the space, we have a venue, we have the facilities, we have the capacity to do it,”
he promised.
“I’m sure that FOM, FIA, and ourselves, we will try. If we can improve something, we will do it.”
Norris Proposes Specific Layout Revisions
World champion Lando Norris offered detailed suggestions after the race, advocating for a high-speed straight linking Turn 17 to Turn 20 to create a heavy braking zone similar to corners at Circuit of the Americas.
“To me, it’s not a great racetrack. It’s great in qualifying, but a straight line from Turn 17 straight to Turn 20 [would help], to have a much wider entry like Austin Turn 1 or Turn 10, a big hairpin. You’ll create much better opportunities for everyone and you’ll be able to enjoy the race.”
Norris also identified the Turn 5-6-7 complex as a key area requiring attention.
“There are some simple changes and maybe some trickier ones, like Turn 5, 6, 7. It’s hard to know exactly what is the best thing. The fact you have to turn and brake [at the same time] basically defeats the whole object of racing.”
