Rosberg Urges Overtaking Revision on Madring Circuit
After Kimi Antonelli secured his eighth Grand Prix win in the season, the newly unveiled Madring Circuit stirred an immediate outcry over thin racing lines and scarce passing opportunities. Nico Rosberg, reflecting on the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix at IFEMA, singled out the lack of overtaking as the core fault of the layout.
Rosberg holds the manager Carlos Sainz accountable, noting the Spanish driver serves as the venue’s ambassador. “We need to give Carlos Sainz a kickback,” Rosberg told Sky Sports F1, insisting the track be reshaped for 2027 to offer at least one definitive passing zone. The appointment of Sainz as ambassador magnified the call for a redesign that prioritises competitive racing.
In the race, Oscar Piastri of McLaren was unable to conquer Alpine’s Franco Colapinto, even with newer tyres and pace over the Frenchman. “Piastri could not get past Colapinto despite fresh rubber and better speed,” Rosberg added. The friction between the two drivers highlights the track’s bottleneck design and its failure to facilitate overtaking.
Analysts Join the Overtaking Debate
Former Aston Martin strategist Bernie Collins echoed Rosberg’s concerns. “The circuit should be designed with drivers in mind; it’s unreasonable that overtaking will be so difficult,” Collins explained. He warned that Craig Valer can’t win podium positions if the layout fails to provide viable passing routes.
Collins stressed that driver input should guide future track modifications, labeling the current arrangement as “a long‑term risk for Formula 1” and urging organisers to experiment with more dynamic sections on the semi‑permanent layout.
Track Layout and Club Involvement
While the Madring Circuit deviated from the once‑dominant Catalunya venue, the design team has now opened the floor to changes. Collin’s remarks reinforce the need for at least one overtaking spot, a development the FIA is expected to review promptly. The upcoming 2027 season will be pivotal for reassessing the track’s viability and ensuring rider experience, not just prestige, dictates its evolution.
Photo by: Jakub Porzycki / NurPhoto / Getty Images
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