Madrid 2026: track changes planned after criticism

BBC Sport and Autosport reported Madrid organisers plan circuit changes after criticism of the Spanish Grand Prix debut, with 2027 tweaks aimed at overtaking.

Madrid’s Spanish Grand Prix organisers plan changes to the new circuit after criticism of its first Formula 1 race weekend, BBC Sport reported. The 5.4km layout around the IFEMA fairgrounds made its competition debut last weekend, and several outlets said the race drew scrutiny for a lack of overtaking.

Autosport reported that organisers are targeting tweaks before Formula 1 returns in 2027 and that the FIA has already provided recommendations. The same outlet said drivers voiced concerns after qualifying and after the race, including Max Verstappen’s reported view that he could not identify a clear overtaking opportunity on the layout.

Autosport also reported that the circuit offered more grip than some teams expected on a first visit, while tyre degradation was high. Even with that, criticism of the race product remained, and attention has shifted to what organisers change before Madrid’s next place on the calendar.