Audi driver Gabriel Bortoleto has openly criticised the inaugural Formula 1 race at the Madring circuit, labelling the event as ‘sleep-inducing’. The Brazilian driver stated he struggled to remain awake during the Grand Prix, which took place on Sunday, September 13, 2026.
Bortoleto’s comments highlight broader concerns regarding the circuit’s design, particularly its lack of genuine overtaking opportunities. This issue was evident throughout the race weekend, with both Formula 3 and Formula 2 support races also demonstrating significant difficulties for drivers attempting to make passes.
The Audi driver expressed his frustration with the race’s outcome being largely dictated by a Virtual Safety Car (VSC) period. He noted that the VSC prevented strategic tyre changes for some competitors, forcing them to accept their positions.
Bortoleto indicated that a VSC phase can offer approximately an 11-second advantage for pit stops, if calculations are accurate. He and teammate Pierre Gasly had hoped for a red flag to allow for a tyre change, but this did not materialise.
The Madring circuit, officially known as Circuito de Madring, is a new hybrid layout in Madrid, Spain, hosting the Spanish Grand Prix from 2026. It measures 5.414 kilometres with 22 corners.
Designed around the IFEMA exhibition centre, the circuit incorporates both public roads and purpose-built sections, drawing comparisons to the Miami International Autodrome.
A key feature of the Madring is the impressive banked corner, ‘La Monumental’, which stretches approximately 550 metres with an incline of up to 24%.
However, the focus on spectacle and crowd capacity, with an initial seating for 110,000 fans, appears to have overshadowed the provision of effective overtaking zones.
‘It would be good if we had at least one place to overtake, but unfortunately, they didn’t design it that way,’ Bortoleto stated. ‘There are good and bad sides to this circuit, but the racing aspect is undoubtedly terrible.’
Other drivers echoed Bortoleto’s sentiments, with Lando Norris questioning the circuit’s approval and suggesting modifications to improve racing. Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the race winner, also criticised the layout, stating that attempted overtakes risk contact ‘80% of the time’.
Max Verstappen also raised concerns about the limited racing lines and called for changes to braking zones. Oliver Bearman described Madring as a ‘poor track for racing’, while Alex Albon confirmed drivers had already raised the issue with the FIA.
Bortoleto advocated for greater driver involvement in the design process of new circuits. He believes drivers possess crucial insight into the challenges of overtaking on specific track layouts.
Audi officially entered Formula 1 as a factory team and power unit supplier for the 2026 season, taking over the Sauber operation. Bortoleto, a former FIA Formula 3 (2023) and Formula 2 (2024) champion, is part of their driver lineup alongside Nico Hülkenberg.
