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RSS ↗Wikimedia Commons · Off The Track Media · CC BY 2.0Madrid organisers ‘promising’ changes after dull debutSep.15 (GMM) Madrid GP organisers are already promising changes to the new Madring layout after Formula 1’s first race at the venue produced almost no overtaking. De Telegraaf reports that organisers are “promising improvements” for 2027, while other reports say circuit chief Luis Garcia Abad, Fernando Alonso’s former manager, has confirmed that the track will…
via f1technical.net"There was nothing I could do'" claims Norris as he reflects on his painful Madring raceLando Norris believes McLaren deserved victory at the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid after a perfectly timed Virtual Safety Car and a slow pit stop turned a dominant-looking race into a frustrating podium finish.
via Formula1.comNorris' Madring misery creates Baku betting valueLando Norris, a prominent driver for McLaren, has recently encountered challenges during the Madring event, which has led to a shift in the betting markets for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix. His performance has drawn attention, prompting bookmakers to adjust their odds in response to his recent struggles on the track.
As the Azerbaijan Grand Prix approaches, Norris' difficulties have sparked discussions among bettors and analysts regarding his potential as a contender. Despite the setbacks, there remains a belief in his capabilities, and the betting landscape reflects a mix of optimism and caution regarding his chances in the race.
via AutosportLando Norris completes test in McLaren HypercarLando Norris, the reigning Formula 1 champion, has completed his first full test in the McLaren MCL-HY Le Mans Hypercar. The test took place at the Portimao circuit following the recent Spanish Grand Prix.
via RacingNews365Liam Lawson makes history in 'lifeless' race at 'deadly machine for falling asleep' - International Media ReactsThe 2026 F1 Spanish Grand Prix at the newly inaugurated Madring saw Kimi Antonelli secure his eighth win of the season, further solidifying his lead in the championship standings. Despite starting from pole position, Lando Norris faced challenges during a Virtual Safety Car pit-stop, which ultimately cost him a potential victory. Max Verstappen finished in second place, while Liam Lawson achieved a significant milestone by finishing sixth, marking a historic moment for New Zealand in Formula 1.
The race itself was characterized by a lack of overtaking and a processional rhythm, leading to criticism from various media outlets regarding the Madring's ability to deliver exciting racing. While Antonelli's victory was celebrated, the overall reception of the event highlighted concerns about the circuit's design and its impact on competitive racing. The mixed reviews suggest that while the venue was anticipated to be challenging, it may not have met expectations for thrilling Formula 1 action.
via F1iBortoleto: Madring race so dull 'I almost fell asleep’Gabriel Bortoleto, driving for Audi, expressed his disappointment with the Madring circuit during the recent Spanish Grand Prix, describing the race as so uneventful that he nearly fell asleep. The lack of overtaking opportunities was a significant issue, as the circuit's design did not facilitate competitive racing, leading to a predictable race outcome. Bortoleto highlighted that the virtual safety car played a crucial role in determining race strategy, leaving him and his teammate Pierre Gasly at a disadvantage with their tire choices.
Bortoleto's comments reflect broader concerns regarding the Madring's design, which prioritized visual appeal over functionality. He noted that the absence of overtaking zones limited the potential for exciting racing, suggesting that future track designs should incorporate driver feedback to enhance competitiveness. The overall sentiment from Bortoleto indicates a need for Formula 1 to focus on creating circuits that not only look impressive but also promote thrilling racing action.
via the-race.comEdd Straw's 2026 Spanish Grand Prix F1 driver rankingsThe inaugural Formula 1 race at the Madring circuit in Spain was held on September 14, 2026, and tested the drivers and teams throughout the weekend. Notably, a McLaren driver secured pole position, showcasing impressive performance despite the car's limitations, while the race itself was influenced by strategic elements such as a virtual safety car that altered the lead dynamics.
In the end, a Mercedes driver emerged victorious after starting from second place, demonstrating superior pace compared to his teammate. The race highlighted various drivers' performances, with some excelling and others facing challenges that impacted their final standings.
via RacingNews365Madring layout criticised after Lando Norris victoryLando Norris has expressed his dissatisfaction with the current virtual safety car rules in Formula 1, describing them as unfair. The recent Spanish Grand Prix has also sparked discussions about the Madring layout and its impact on overtaking opportunities.
via Motorsport.comWilliams aims for improvement with Baku upgradesWilliams Racing is preparing to introduce a significant upgrade package for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, following a challenging performance at the Spanish Grand Prix. Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya believes these upgrades could lead to a substantial improvement for the team.
via the-race.comEverything we learned from F1's 2026 Spanish Grand PrixThe 2026 Spanish Grand Prix revealed significant developments in the Formula 1 season, particularly regarding Lewis Hamilton's fading title hopes after his retirement due to brake issues. Hamilton acknowledged Kimi Antonelli's strong position with Mercedes, effectively conceding the championship. Meanwhile, Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso expressed concerns over Honda's engine performance, prompting discussions about potential support to aid recovery efforts.
Red Bull continues to struggle with car degradation issues, which team principal Laurent Mekies confirmed will remain a challenge for the rest of the season. Additionally, improvements to the Madring circuit have been proposed for future races to enhance overtaking opportunities, although they will not be implemented until 2027. Williams is also facing difficulties, with Alex Albon expressing skepticism about the impact of their upcoming upgrade, as they lag significantly behind the midfield.
via f1oversteer.comDavid Coulthard praises Hamilton's determinationLewis Hamilton experienced his first retirement of the 2026 season during the Spanish Grand Prix due to technical difficulties. Despite the setback, David Coulthard noted Hamilton's competitive spirit and determination.
via theguardian.comSpanish GP plans to change Madring after fierce criticism from F1 driversFollowing the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at the Madring, there are plans to modify the circuit due to significant criticism from drivers. The race, which saw Kimi Antonelli take victory, was characterized by a lack of overtaking opportunities, leading to disappointment among competitors and fans alike. Drivers like Lando Norris and Max Verstappen highlighted the need for design changes to enhance racing excitement and facilitate overtaking.
Discussions regarding potential alterations to the track layout are already underway, with the circuit's management open to suggestions. Despite the logistical success of the event, the racing experience fell short of expectations, prompting calls for improvements to ensure a more thrilling competition in future races.
via grandprix.comMadring to undergo changes for improved overtaking in 2027Organizers of the Madring circuit are planning three modifications for the 2027 Spanish Grand Prix. These changes aim to address concerns raised by drivers regarding limited overtaking opportunities during the inaugural race.
via F1iLeclerc defends Ferrari call as Vasseur sees missed Madring winCharles Leclerc expressed confidence in Ferrari's strategic decision during the Spanish Grand Prix, where he led for a significant portion of the race. Despite the team's gamble on a hard-tyre strategy, they did not receive the hoped-for Safety Car, leading to Leclerc finishing in fourth place without regrets about the strategy employed.
Fred Vasseur, Ferrari's team principal, assessed that the team had the potential for a race win based on their pace, particularly during Leclerc's long stint on hard tires. He emphasized that the team's focus should be on improving their qualifying performance, as they struggled to secure a better starting position, which ultimately affected their race outcome.
via Sky Sports F1'Obvious changes' - F1 drivers want Madring overtaking improvementsThe inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at the Madring circuit has sparked discussions among drivers and team principals regarding potential track modifications to enhance overtaking opportunities. While the layout was appreciated for its challenge during qualifying, concerns were raised about the limited chances for overtaking during the race, which many drivers experienced firsthand.
Lando Norris and other drivers have suggested specific changes, such as altering certain corners to create straighter paths leading into hairpin turns. Team principals, including Toto Wolff and Laurent Mekies, expressed optimism about the organizers' willingness to collaborate with the FIA to implement these improvements, aiming to make the track more exciting for future races.
via F1iNorris’ cola clash – tells F1 ‘I’m allowed to drink what I want’Lando Norris faced a challenging race at the Spanish Grand Prix, ultimately finishing in third place after a Virtual Safety Car disrupted his strategy. Despite the setback, he made headlines for his casual attitude towards corporate sponsorships when he was questioned about drinking Coca-Cola before the podium ceremony, as Formula 1 has ties with rival beverage company PepsiCo.
Norris's lighthearted response to the official's concern resonated with fans, who quickly shared the moment online, elevating him to a folk-hero status. The incident highlighted a growing sentiment among fans who appreciate drivers expressing their personalities beyond corporate constraints, suggesting a shift in how athletes engage with their brands.
via f1technical.netHamilton offers explanation for his technical issues at the MadringLewis Hamilton faced a disappointing end to the Spanish Grand Prix at the Madring, retiring due to a brake issue that emerged while he was racing. After showing competitive pace throughout the weekend, Hamilton's race took a turn when he experienced a malfunction with the brake pedal, leading to a collision with the barrier. This incident marked his first did not finish (DNF) of the 2026 season, despite his belief that he had a car capable of winning the race.
While Hamilton's race ended prematurely, teammate Charles Leclerc managed to secure a fourth-place finish, employing an aggressive strategy that allowed him to lead for a significant portion of the race. Despite the mixed results, Ferrari demonstrated strong performance and potential, leaving the team optimistic for future races. Hamilton expressed gratitude towards his team for their efforts and highlighted the missed opportunity to capitalize on their competitive package.
via gpfans.comLando Norris expresses frustration after Spanish Grand PrixLando Norris voiced his disappointment following a challenging race at the Spanish Grand Prix, where he felt a virtual safety car impacted his chances of victory. The driver also engaged in a tense exchange with a journalist regarding the race's events.
via f1technical.netWolff offers explanation for Russell's suboptimal strategy at the MadringKimi Antonelli achieved a significant milestone by winning the Spanish Grand Prix at the newly introduced Madring circuit, marking Mercedes' first victory at this venue. Despite facing challenges during the race, including a strong start and a strategic pit stop during a Virtual Safety Car, Antonelli managed to secure the lead and maintain control to finish first. Team principal Toto Wolff praised Antonelli's performance and highlighted the importance of the victory for the team's morale, especially given the lack of recent upgrades to the car.
On the other hand, George Russell had a more difficult race, finishing in fifth place after a series of strategic missteps. Initially starting on hard tires, Russell's strategy was compromised by the Virtual Safety Car, leading to a switch to medium tires that did not perform as expected. Wolff acknowledged the unfortunate timing of the VSC for Russell but remained optimistic about the team's performance overall. With the championship battle intensifying, Mercedes is looking forward to the upcoming triple-header races with renewed confidence.
via F1iSainz takes heat from all sides after bruising Madrid homecomingCarlos Sainz's homecoming at the Madring for the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix turned sour as he faced backlash for the event's disappointing racing conditions. Despite being an ambassador for the circuit, he was criticized for the lack of overtaking opportunities, with former champion Nico Rosberg directly pointing fingers at him for the track's shortcomings.
In addition to the criticism of the circuit, Sainz's on-track actions contributed to his troubles. He collided with Fernando Alonso, resulting in a penalty and further frustration for both drivers. Sainz's race ended prematurely due to damage from the incident, leaving him with a challenging legacy as the ambassador of a track that failed to deliver an exciting race.
via f1technical.net"There was nothing I could do'" claims Norris as he reflects on his painful Madring raceLando Norris believes McLaren deserved victory at the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid after a perfectly timed Virtual Safety Car and a slow pit stop turned a dominant-looking race into a frustrating podium finish.
via Formula1.comNorris' Madring misery creates Baku betting valueLando Norris, a prominent driver for McLaren, has recently encountered challenges during the Madring event, which has led to a shift in the betting markets for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix. His performance has drawn attention, prompting bookmakers to adjust their odds in response to his recent struggles on the track.
As the Azerbaijan Grand Prix approaches, Norris' difficulties have sparked discussions among bettors and analysts regarding his potential as a contender. Despite the setbacks, there remains a belief in his capabilities, and the betting landscape reflects a mix of optimism and caution regarding his chances in the race.
via AutosportLando Norris completes test in McLaren HypercarLando Norris, the reigning Formula 1 champion, has completed his first full test in the McLaren MCL-HY Le Mans Hypercar. The test took place at the Portimao circuit following the recent Spanish Grand Prix.
via RacingNews365Liam Lawson makes history in 'lifeless' race at 'deadly machine for falling asleep' - International Media ReactsThe 2026 F1 Spanish Grand Prix at the newly inaugurated Madring saw Kimi Antonelli secure his eighth win of the season, further solidifying his lead in the championship standings. Despite starting from pole position, Lando Norris faced challenges during a Virtual Safety Car pit-stop, which ultimately cost him a potential victory. Max Verstappen finished in second place, while Liam Lawson achieved a significant milestone by finishing sixth, marking a historic moment for New Zealand in Formula 1.
The race itself was characterized by a lack of overtaking and a processional rhythm, leading to criticism from various media outlets regarding the Madring's ability to deliver exciting racing. While Antonelli's victory was celebrated, the overall reception of the event highlighted concerns about the circuit's design and its impact on competitive racing. The mixed reviews suggest that while the venue was anticipated to be challenging, it may not have met expectations for thrilling Formula 1 action.
via F1iBortoleto: Madring race so dull 'I almost fell asleep’Gabriel Bortoleto, driving for Audi, expressed his disappointment with the Madring circuit during the recent Spanish Grand Prix, describing the race as so uneventful that he nearly fell asleep. The lack of overtaking opportunities was a significant issue, as the circuit's design did not facilitate competitive racing, leading to a predictable race outcome. Bortoleto highlighted that the virtual safety car played a crucial role in determining race strategy, leaving him and his teammate Pierre Gasly at a disadvantage with their tire choices.
Bortoleto's comments reflect broader concerns regarding the Madring's design, which prioritized visual appeal over functionality. He noted that the absence of overtaking zones limited the potential for exciting racing, suggesting that future track designs should incorporate driver feedback to enhance competitiveness. The overall sentiment from Bortoleto indicates a need for Formula 1 to focus on creating circuits that not only look impressive but also promote thrilling racing action.
via the-race.comEdd Straw's 2026 Spanish Grand Prix F1 driver rankingsThe inaugural Formula 1 race at the Madring circuit in Spain was held on September 14, 2026, and tested the drivers and teams throughout the weekend. Notably, a McLaren driver secured pole position, showcasing impressive performance despite the car's limitations, while the race itself was influenced by strategic elements such as a virtual safety car that altered the lead dynamics.
In the end, a Mercedes driver emerged victorious after starting from second place, demonstrating superior pace compared to his teammate. The race highlighted various drivers' performances, with some excelling and others facing challenges that impacted their final standings.
via RacingNews365Madring layout criticised after Lando Norris victoryLando Norris has expressed his dissatisfaction with the current virtual safety car rules in Formula 1, describing them as unfair. The recent Spanish Grand Prix has also sparked discussions about the Madring layout and its impact on overtaking opportunities.
via Motorsport.comWilliams aims for improvement with Baku upgradesWilliams Racing is preparing to introduce a significant upgrade package for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, following a challenging performance at the Spanish Grand Prix. Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya believes these upgrades could lead to a substantial improvement for the team.
via the-race.comEverything we learned from F1's 2026 Spanish Grand PrixThe 2026 Spanish Grand Prix revealed significant developments in the Formula 1 season, particularly regarding Lewis Hamilton's fading title hopes after his retirement due to brake issues. Hamilton acknowledged Kimi Antonelli's strong position with Mercedes, effectively conceding the championship. Meanwhile, Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso expressed concerns over Honda's engine performance, prompting discussions about potential support to aid recovery efforts.
Red Bull continues to struggle with car degradation issues, which team principal Laurent Mekies confirmed will remain a challenge for the rest of the season. Additionally, improvements to the Madring circuit have been proposed for future races to enhance overtaking opportunities, although they will not be implemented until 2027. Williams is also facing difficulties, with Alex Albon expressing skepticism about the impact of their upcoming upgrade, as they lag significantly behind the midfield.
via f1oversteer.comDavid Coulthard praises Hamilton's determinationLewis Hamilton experienced his first retirement of the 2026 season during the Spanish Grand Prix due to technical difficulties. Despite the setback, David Coulthard noted Hamilton's competitive spirit and determination.
via theguardian.comSpanish GP plans to change Madring after fierce criticism from F1 driversFollowing the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at the Madring, there are plans to modify the circuit due to significant criticism from drivers. The race, which saw Kimi Antonelli take victory, was characterized by a lack of overtaking opportunities, leading to disappointment among competitors and fans alike. Drivers like Lando Norris and Max Verstappen highlighted the need for design changes to enhance racing excitement and facilitate overtaking.
Discussions regarding potential alterations to the track layout are already underway, with the circuit's management open to suggestions. Despite the logistical success of the event, the racing experience fell short of expectations, prompting calls for improvements to ensure a more thrilling competition in future races.
via grandprix.comMadring to undergo changes for improved overtaking in 2027Organizers of the Madring circuit are planning three modifications for the 2027 Spanish Grand Prix. These changes aim to address concerns raised by drivers regarding limited overtaking opportunities during the inaugural race.
via F1iLeclerc defends Ferrari call as Vasseur sees missed Madring winCharles Leclerc expressed confidence in Ferrari's strategic decision during the Spanish Grand Prix, where he led for a significant portion of the race. Despite the team's gamble on a hard-tyre strategy, they did not receive the hoped-for Safety Car, leading to Leclerc finishing in fourth place without regrets about the strategy employed.
Fred Vasseur, Ferrari's team principal, assessed that the team had the potential for a race win based on their pace, particularly during Leclerc's long stint on hard tires. He emphasized that the team's focus should be on improving their qualifying performance, as they struggled to secure a better starting position, which ultimately affected their race outcome.
via Sky Sports F1'Obvious changes' - F1 drivers want Madring overtaking improvementsThe inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at the Madring circuit has sparked discussions among drivers and team principals regarding potential track modifications to enhance overtaking opportunities. While the layout was appreciated for its challenge during qualifying, concerns were raised about the limited chances for overtaking during the race, which many drivers experienced firsthand.
Lando Norris and other drivers have suggested specific changes, such as altering certain corners to create straighter paths leading into hairpin turns. Team principals, including Toto Wolff and Laurent Mekies, expressed optimism about the organizers' willingness to collaborate with the FIA to implement these improvements, aiming to make the track more exciting for future races.
via F1iNorris’ cola clash – tells F1 ‘I’m allowed to drink what I want’Lando Norris faced a challenging race at the Spanish Grand Prix, ultimately finishing in third place after a Virtual Safety Car disrupted his strategy. Despite the setback, he made headlines for his casual attitude towards corporate sponsorships when he was questioned about drinking Coca-Cola before the podium ceremony, as Formula 1 has ties with rival beverage company PepsiCo.
Norris's lighthearted response to the official's concern resonated with fans, who quickly shared the moment online, elevating him to a folk-hero status. The incident highlighted a growing sentiment among fans who appreciate drivers expressing their personalities beyond corporate constraints, suggesting a shift in how athletes engage with their brands.
via f1technical.netHamilton offers explanation for his technical issues at the MadringLewis Hamilton faced a disappointing end to the Spanish Grand Prix at the Madring, retiring due to a brake issue that emerged while he was racing. After showing competitive pace throughout the weekend, Hamilton's race took a turn when he experienced a malfunction with the brake pedal, leading to a collision with the barrier. This incident marked his first did not finish (DNF) of the 2026 season, despite his belief that he had a car capable of winning the race.
While Hamilton's race ended prematurely, teammate Charles Leclerc managed to secure a fourth-place finish, employing an aggressive strategy that allowed him to lead for a significant portion of the race. Despite the mixed results, Ferrari demonstrated strong performance and potential, leaving the team optimistic for future races. Hamilton expressed gratitude towards his team for their efforts and highlighted the missed opportunity to capitalize on their competitive package.
via gpfans.comLando Norris expresses frustration after Spanish Grand PrixLando Norris voiced his disappointment following a challenging race at the Spanish Grand Prix, where he felt a virtual safety car impacted his chances of victory. The driver also engaged in a tense exchange with a journalist regarding the race's events.
via f1technical.netWolff offers explanation for Russell's suboptimal strategy at the MadringKimi Antonelli achieved a significant milestone by winning the Spanish Grand Prix at the newly introduced Madring circuit, marking Mercedes' first victory at this venue. Despite facing challenges during the race, including a strong start and a strategic pit stop during a Virtual Safety Car, Antonelli managed to secure the lead and maintain control to finish first. Team principal Toto Wolff praised Antonelli's performance and highlighted the importance of the victory for the team's morale, especially given the lack of recent upgrades to the car.
On the other hand, George Russell had a more difficult race, finishing in fifth place after a series of strategic missteps. Initially starting on hard tires, Russell's strategy was compromised by the Virtual Safety Car, leading to a switch to medium tires that did not perform as expected. Wolff acknowledged the unfortunate timing of the VSC for Russell but remained optimistic about the team's performance overall. With the championship battle intensifying, Mercedes is looking forward to the upcoming triple-header races with renewed confidence.
via F1iSainz takes heat from all sides after bruising Madrid homecomingCarlos Sainz's homecoming at the Madring for the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix turned sour as he faced backlash for the event's disappointing racing conditions. Despite being an ambassador for the circuit, he was criticized for the lack of overtaking opportunities, with former champion Nico Rosberg directly pointing fingers at him for the track's shortcomings.
In addition to the criticism of the circuit, Sainz's on-track actions contributed to his troubles. He collided with Fernando Alonso, resulting in a penalty and further frustration for both drivers. Sainz's race ended prematurely due to damage from the incident, leaving him with a challenging legacy as the ambassador of a track that failed to deliver an exciting race.Page 3 of 11
