Madrid GP slammed as 'complete disaster' as Honda changes F1 power unit leader

Spain's Transport Minister Oscar Puente has slammed the inaugural Madrid Grand Prix as "a complete disaster," adding a political voice to the growing backlash against the MADRING. At the same time, Honda has confirmed a leadership change in its Aston Martin power unit programme, a move designed to strengthen its F1 project for the future.

Why it matters:

The Madrid GP was supposed to be a showcase for F1's newest venue, but its first race produced almost no overtaking. With a senior Spanish politician now criticizing the circuit, the pressure for redesign is mounting. For Honda, the leadership shake-up comes as the manufacturer prepares for the 2026 regulations and beyond, with the goal of delivering a competitive engine to Aston Martin.

The details:

• Honda reshuffles F1 leadership: Yoichiro Fukao will take over as Large Project Leader from Tetsushi Kakuda on 1 October. Fukao previously served as Deputy Leader of Honda Racing Corporation's F1 project.
  • Honda says the change aims to pass technical expertise to the next generation and strengthen its development structure for the years ahead.
  • With 2026 regulations now in place and further changes expected from 2027, Honda is building a framework for a highly competitive power unit.
• Madrid GP under fire: Puente took to X to call the race "a complete disaster," comparing the MADRING to "Monaco 2, but faster."
  • He argued that overtaking was virtually impossible and that changes in running order came only through strategy, not on-track passes.
  • The criticism comes after the inaugural race produced almost no overtaking, leaving drivers like Norris and Antonelli demanding a circuit redesign.

What's next:

The MADRING now faces mounting pressure to make changes before its next F1 appearance. For Honda, the leadership transition signals a long-term commitment to its Aston Martin partnership, with Fukao expected to lead the development of a power unit that must hit the ground running in 2026.