Spanish Transport Minister slams Madrid GP as 'a complete disaster' as Norris and Antonelli demand circuit redesign

The political intervention adds a new dimension to the growing backlash against a Madring circuit that is now under intense pressure for changes after its inaugural race produced almost no overtaking.

French daily L'Equipe was particularly scathing, describing the track as "a deadly sleep machine," while Audi's Gabriel Bortoleto agreed with the assessment: "I almost fell asleep."

Reigning world champion Lando Norris, who finished third at the Spanish Grand Prix, said it should have been obvious the circuit was not up to standard. "They should get rid of [Turns] 18, 19. Useless. Just have more of a straight into a hairpin," Norris said. "I don't know how someone looks at this design and goes, 'Mint.'"

The McLaren driver suggested modelling the change on Austin's Circuit of the Americas, calling for "a straight line from 17 straight to 20" with "a much wider entry like Austin Turn 1 or Turn 10, a big hairpin." Norris added bluntly: "To me, it's not a great racetrack."

Even race winner Kimi Antonelli shared the view that the layout needs work. "It definitely doesn't create overtaking opportunities and it doesn't push you to try and make a move, because 80% of the time you might have contact," the championship leader said.

Antonelli concluded that "there are some corners that need to be changed to create more overtaking opportunities, because right now, yes, it's nice over one lap, but for sure in the race you're just stuck behind."

The criticism comes despite drivers such as Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz warning before the weekend that the unusual braking zones could make overtaking particularly difficult. As GPblog reported during qualifying, Verstappen jokingly offered to redesign the braking zones himself.

Sainz, the track's ambassador who has also come under fire from Nico Rosberg over the circuit's shortcomings, has since said the drivers, the FIA, and the circuit will work together to find solutions, identifying Turns 5, 1, and 13 as priority areas. According to The Race, changes are already planned in three areas for 2027.