Drivers and Brundle anticipate layout and VSC changes for Madrid Grand Prix

Drivers and Brundle anticipate layout and VSC changes for Madrid Grand Prix

Sports

Former driver Martin Brundle is expected to call for layout changes and tweaks to the virtual safety car rule ahead of the inaugural Madrid Grand Prix scheduled for September 17, 2026, according to Sky Sports. Earlier, drivers warned that the new Madring circuit could limit overtaking because of narrow sections, poor visibility and a tricky chicane, and they urged the FIA to consider redesigning several corners and the pit lane, as reported by The Race and Motorsport.com.

Actors

Lando Norris Andrea Antonelli Nico Hulkenberg Valtteri Bottas Charles Leclerc McLaren Audi Formula 1

Locations

Madrid, Spain

Articles

September 14, 2026
1 total
Martin Brundle reviews Madrid Grand Prix debut and calls for layout changes and VSC rule tweaks
Martin Brundle reviews Madrid Grand Prix debut and calls for layout changes and VSC rule tweaks

Sky Sports • 14 Sep 15:24

Former driver Martin Brundle said the inaugural Madrid Grand Prix showed promise but suffered from overtaking difficulties and a controversial virtual safety car decision that affected the race outcome.

Credibility 48% Manip. 32% Center
September 13, 2026
4 total
F1 drivers call for redesign of Madrid circuit after overtaking-poor Spanish Grand Prix
F1 drivers call for redesign of Madrid circuit after overtaking-poor Spanish Grand Prix

Motorsport.com • 13 Sep 18:05

Multiple drivers criticised the Madrid track for limiting overtaking during the Spanish Grand Prix and urged the FIA to modify several corners and the pit lane for future races.

Credibility 72% Manip. 27% Center
F1 drivers cite lack of overtaking and safety concerns at Madrid's inaugural Grand Prix
F1 drivers cite lack of overtaking and safety concerns at Madrid's inaugural Grand Prix

The Race • 13 Sep 17:29

Drivers criticised the new Madring circuit for limited passing opportunities, narrow sections and poor visibility, and suggested layout changes for future races.

Credibility 72% Manip. 9% Center
Critics Say Madrid Grand Prix Lacked Overtaking Opportunities
Critics Say Madrid Grand Prix Lacked Overtaking Opportunities

The Race • 13 Sep 15:54

Motorsport commentators criticised the inaugural Madrid Formula 1 race for its narrow layout and limited overtaking, calling it a missed opportunity for a more engaging competition.

Credibility 55% Manip. 30% Center
Key Factors Likely to Influence the Inaugural Madrid Grand Prix
Key Factors Likely to Influence the Inaugural Madrid Grand Prix

The Race • 13 Sep 10:24

Drivers and teams face uncertainty at the first Formula 1 race in Madrid, with start-grid grip, a challenging chicane, tyre wear and race-craft strategies expected to shape the outcome.

Credibility 68% Manip. 12% Center

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