Former Haas Formula 1 team principal Guenther Steiner has urged Madrid Grand Prix organizers to make urgent changes to the Madring circuit’s layout ahead of 2027.
The circuit hosted its first Spanish Grand Prix in 2026, but the event was widely criticized by drivers, fans and commentators after producing a processional race with almost no overtaking.
Kimi Antonelli claimed his eighth victory of the season ahead of Max Verstappen and polesitter Lando Norris, although he inherited the lead following a well-timed virtual safety car rather than passing Norris on track.
Speaking on The Red Flags Podcast, Steiner acknowledged the strength of the reaction but said organizers should be given time to address the circuit’s shortcomings.
“It was exactly the same in Vegas, the first year, ‘Oh, why would you go to Las Vegas? That’s the most stupid thing to do.’ It has become a very good thing, and some things work straight away, and some things need some fine-tuning,” the former team boss said.
“If next year Madrid is not sorted out, I would see it as a failure because it’s a 10-year contract. It needs to be fixed. There cannot be a second year like this.
A general view of the circuit
Photo by: Simon Galloway / LAT Images via Getty Images
“You remember Vegas the first year with the drainage covers coming up. We were there at 6am, ‘This is a disaster, they don’t know what they’re doing.’
“So there was negativity there, but now Vegas has become almost an iconic race already. It seems like it’s been there forever because it’s so cool.”
Antonelli’s victory in Madrid increased his championship lead over Mercedes teammate George Russell to 81 points. Lewis Hamilton remains third, 101 points behind the championship leader.
The 2026 campaign resumes with the 15th round, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, at the Baku City Circuit from 24-26 September.
