Drivers unite in criticism of Madrid circuit after processional Spanish GP

The 2026 Spanish Grand Prix at Madrid's IFEMA circuit played out exactly as drivers feared: a 66-lap procession with virtually no overtaking. Race winner Kimi Antonelli admitted the Madring is entertaining over one flying lap but nearly impossible for racing, while the paddock united in demanding layout changes before 2027.

Why it matters:

After years of anticipation, Spain's new venue has produced one of the most processional races of the season. With drivers revealing they were never consulted during the design phase, the circuit's credibility as a racing venue is already under scrutiny — and the pressure is now on the FIA and circuit designers to act.

The Details:

• Antonelli said 80% of overtaking attempts would end in contact, pointing to the Turn 5-6 chicane as a crash waiting to happen.
• Haas' Oliver Bearman, who missed qualifying after a heavy FP3 crash, called it a "poor track for racing" — defending is too easy, attacking too hard.
• Williams' Alex Albon noted that even F3 cars couldn't overtake: "If the F3 cars can't overtake, there's going to be no overtaking the whole weekend."
• Verstappen had joked on Saturday: "Just give me the track map" — but no driver input was sought before construction.

What's next:

Drivers have submitted a clear list of demands for 2027:

• Turn 5-6 chicane: Redesign or remove entirely, with straighter braking zones.
• Turn 13 banking: Not doing enough — needs a slower corner and bigger braking zone.
• Turns 18-19: Lando Norris calls them "useless" and wants a COTA-style hairpin with a wider entry.
• Pitlane: Shorten it to encourage extra stops and create more strategic variety.

The FIA heard the complaints on Friday. Now the question is whether designers — who ignored driver input the first time — will listen before 2027.