Madrid’s overtaking problem was about the space and approach available for a racing move, according to the drivers who finished on its podium. Their comments distinguish an enjoyable qualifying lap from a circuit that allows two cars to contest the same corner.

In the FIA’s post-race press conference on 13 September, winner Kimi Antonelli said the second chicane left him concerned about contact when attacking Lando Norris. Norris called for a straighter approach to a wider hairpin in the final sector.

What changes did the drivers suggest?

Norris proposed removing Turns 18 and 19 to create a more direct run from Turn 17 towards Turn 20. He also identified the Turns 5–7 section as an area where changes could be more complicated.

Antonelli argued that some corners needed alteration to make passing more realistic. These are driver assessments and suggestions; they are not confirmation that a particular redesign has been approved.

Source: https://www.fia.com/news/f1-2026-spanish-grand-prix-post-race-press-conference-transcript

Why qualifying speed does not settle the question

A qualifying lap asks a driver to maximise one car’s speed along its preferred line. An overtaking attempt asks whether two different lines can remain viable through the braking zone and exit.

That distinction explains the apparent contradiction in praising a circuit’s driving challenge while criticising its racing. A faster pursuing car still needs a route alongside and a realistic way to complete the move.

For viewers, the useful question is where an attacking car can establish overlap without losing the corner exit. Simply counting corners or noting a fast lap does not answer it.

What happens next?

The next meaningful development would be a specific proposal from the circuit or an official approval, with enough detail to compare the braking approach and available space. Driver calls for changes should not be presented as completed work.

The pit route raises a separate strategic question. Our Madrid pit-lane explainer shows why the time spent in the pits differs from time lost to a rival: https://veltrio-sport.netlify.app/en/articles/madrid-pit-lane-time-loss

No independently verified overtake total is used in this article.