Norris slams Madring F1 circuit after Spanish GP: ‘It’s not a great racetrack’

The reigning world champion was unlucky not to christen the Madring circuit with a victory due to a slow McLaren pit stop just moments after a Lap 14 Virtual Safety Car had ended. The Spanish GP pole-sitter was P3 at chequered flag, despite a strong charge behind Max Verstappen and eventual winner Kimi Antonelli.

Adding to Norris' VSC frustration was the severe lack of overtaking opportunities at the narrow Madring circuit. The McLaren driver was right behind Verstappen during the closing stages of Sunday's race, but had virtually no chance of passing the Dutchman.

Several drivers alongside Norris have been critical of the new circuit, with Audi's Gabriel Bortoleto joking he "almost fell asleep" during the race, while Norris' compatriot George Russell has also called for changes. Former Mercedes man Nico Rosberg has even pointed the finger at Madring ambassador Carlos Sainz over the lack of overtakes on Sunday.

Speaking to GPblog, and other media, at the post-race press conference, Norris initially joked with a reporter that he hadn't been listened to the day prior when asked for his verdict on the Madring, before giving his thoughts on the racing action.

Championship leader Antonelli also weighed in on the Madring's layout, arguing the all-new circuit does not incentivise drivers to make overtaking moves, with the risk of contact between rivals particularly high. The 20-year-old's comments were backed up by four-time world champion Verstappen, who only added "exactly that," to Antonelli's reflections.