Coulthard: Returning to Madring unchanged would be 'stupidity'

David Coulthard has warned F1 that returning to the Madring in 2027 without layout changes would be 'stupidity' after the circuit's first race proved processional, with few overtaking opportunities.

The Madrid race drew criticism as strategy, not on-track battles, decided the outcome.

Why it matters:

F1 must listen to fans and drivers. Coulthard says coming back with the same layout and expecting a different result is not an option.

The details:

• Lando Norris lost the lead after an ill-timed virtual safety car while already past the pit entry, allowing Kimi Antonelli to take a cheaper stop and win his eighth race of the season.
• Antonelli, the championship leader, extended his advantage in what became a strategic procession.
• Max Verstappen was untroubled when Norris closed in, saying he just needed to 'drive in the middle of the track as you would in Monaco.'
• Coulthard on the Up To Speed podcast: 'If we take all that information and come back next year with exactly the same, then put the same cake mix into the oven and expect a different outcome, that's stupidity.'

What's next:

Coulthard suggests a slower Monza-style chicane or a hairpin to create braking zones. The fast, flowing middle section limits options, but the pressure is on F1 to act before 2027.