Madring organisers prepare overtaking changes for 2027 Spanish Grand Prix

Organisers of Formula 1’s Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid are preparing changes to the Madring circuit after its debut was undermined by limited overtaking. Event managing director Luis Garcia Abad says the FIA has already provided recommendations for the 2027 race.

That contrast exposed the circuit’s central weakness: it can reward precision over one lap, yet offers too few opportunities to attack over a race distance. The main overtaking zone was intended to be the Turn 5 chicane at the end of the longest straight, but its awkward design made passing difficult. As earlier analysis of Madring’s overtaking challenge highlighted, the circuit’s layout quickly became a major talking point for teams and drivers.

Turn 5 and pitlane under scrutiny

The pitlane was another concern. Its length was considered excessive, reducing the appeal of varied pitstop strategies and further limiting the tactical options available during the race.

Speaking after Sunday’s race, Abad said the organisers were willing to act as the circuit is reinstalled for the 2027 event.

“Being honest with you, the FIA defined clearly which is the way to improve the track layout, and we will be open because we will have to reinstall the track for the next year,” he told Motorsport.com. “I really believe that the drivers enjoyed qualifying a lot. But for sure we will try to make an improvement for next year.”

Norris proposes a more decisive final sector

Lando Norris offered a clear direction for the redesign: a straight from Turn 17 to Turn 20 followed by a substantially wider entry, potentially creating a large hairpin-style braking zone. He also pointed to Turns 5, 6 and 7 as areas requiring more complex consideration.

“The fact you have to turn and brake at the same time basically defeats the whole object of racing,” Norris said.

Abad believes the venue has the space, facilities and capacity to make meaningful changes. With the northern half of the circuit built on previously empty land, Madring’s first race has not closed the design debate—it has opened it.