Oliver Bearman spots 'oversight' in new Madrid F1 track layout

Haas driver Oliver Bearman has flagged an “oversight” in Madrid's new track layout, saying the Madring could struggle for overtaking ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix.

The 3.3-mile, 22-turn semi-permanent track around the IFEMA complex becomes F1's 79th venue, and its many 90-degree “point and squirt” corners are expected to make passing hard.

Why it matters:

Madrid's F1 debut is a major moment, and the first race will shape early impressions. If overtaking is tough, qualifying becomes even more decisive.

The details:

• The main overtaking spot into Turn 5 is compromised by a curved braking zone into a left-right-left chicane.
• Bearman says that “takes away any possibility of different lines and sending one up the inside,” calling it “a shame and maybe a bit of an oversight.”
• He expects a race like Budapest, Monaco, or Zandvoort, where track position is king.
• Turn 12, “La Monumental,” is a huge banked right-hander in the middle of the lap.
• Simulator approach: Bearman says sim work is about finding the limits by hitting walls. “You don't drive around with the fear of hurting yourself or the car,” he said.

What's next:

Practice starts Friday, and Bearman says confidence must come from the first lap. With so few passing chances, qualifying could effectively decide the race.