Rosberg: Sainz must share blame for Madrid's lack of overtaking
Summary
Nico Rosberg says Carlos Sainz, as the Madrid circuit's ambassador, must take responsibility for its lack of overtaking. The 2026 Spanish GP was processional, with Piastri stuck behind Colapinto, prompting calls for layout changes.
2016 F1 champion Nico Rosberg says Carlos Sainz must share the blame for the new Madrid circuit's lack of overtaking after the 2026 Spanish GP turned processional.
Why it matters:
The new Madrid track drew immediate criticism for its lack of overtaking, and with F1's 2026 regulations delivering close racing, a circuit that forces drivers to rely on strategy undermines the show. Rosberg's comments add pressure on organizers to act.
The details:
- Kimi Antonelli took his eighth win of the season, but the race was processional.
- Piastri stuck: Oscar Piastri couldn't pass Franco Colapinto's Alpine despite fresher tyres. Rosberg called it "pretty shocking."
- Rosberg: "Carlos Sainz was the ambassador, so we need to criticise Carlos Sainz. They need to revisit the layout and create one good overtaking opportunity."
- Bernie Collins, former Aston Martin strategist, agreed the problem was obvious from the start: "We all looked at the track and said, 'That's going to be very difficult for overtaking.'"
- Collins noted the circuit is not permanent, so changes are feasible.
What's next:
Organizers have said they are open to modifications. The layout can be adjusted before the 2027 race, with the hope of adding at least one genuine overtaking zone.
Original Article :https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/nico-rosberg-carlos-sainz-must-share-blame-fo...