Max Verstappen has criticized the new Madrid circuit, stating that excuses regarding a lack of space to improve the layout are ‘BS’. The Red Bull driver, who qualified third for the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix, believes changes are necessary to improve racing.
Verstappen’s primary concern is the lack of overtaking opportunities on the new track. He has pointed to several braking zones where drivers are required to steer while braking, a characteristic he calls the worst thing for creating passing chances.
He predicts that even with a faster car, passing will be extremely difficult during the race. The four-time world champion suggests that drivers will have to rely on significant tire degradation from others to make progress.
‘I know they will always come back to you and say, ‘Yeah, but the space’. But that’s BS. There’s always a way to find an overtaking opportunity around a track.’
Verstappen is advocating for more driver involvement in the design process for future circuits. He confirmed he has spoken with the FIA about his concerns and has previously discussed circuit design with track designers, noting drivers know what makes a good corner.
Specific areas of the circuit have also drawn his attention. He mentioned that the much-discussed ‘La Monumental’ banked corner is compromised by the 2026 power units, which run out of battery, forcing drivers to lift.
While Verstappen praised the organizers for the event itself and the quality of the new tarmac, he noted it was already becoming bumpy in some areas. His discussions with the FIA have also covered other operational issues observed during the weekend.
These include the response times of marshals to on-track incidents and the impractical length of the pit lane, which he stated the FIA understands was not logically thought through. Other drivers, including Lando Norris, have echoed concerns about the layout.
