Drivers called for changes to the layout of the Madring following yesterday’s processional race on Formula 1’s newest track.
Drivers in the Formula 2 and Formula 3 support races also found overtaking was difficult around the 22-turn course.The track features several tight chicanes in the opening sector. The latter part of the lap also proved difficult for cars to follow closely.
Lando Norris said there are “some obvious changes they should make” to the circuit. “They should get rid of [turns] 18 [and] 19. Useless. Just have more of a straight into a hairpin.”
The world champion said he couldn’t understand how the design was considered suitable for F1 racing. “I don’t know how someone looks at this design and goes: ‘Mint.’ I think there’s a lot of opportunity.”
However he believes that with some changes the track’s layout can be improved. “I think they can make it into a track that’s good for racing and I’m excited to come back here next year if they can make these changes because I think it’s a track that is good fun to drive and it can be a great race track.
“To me, it’s not a great race track. It’s great in qualifying, but [they need to have a] straight line from 17 straight to 20, have a much wider entry like Austin turn one or turn 10, a big hairpin. You’ll create much better opportunities for everyone and you’ll be able to enjoy the race.”
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The geography of the surroundings may make it difficult to fix some elements of the track design, Norris admitted. “There are some simple changes and maybe some trickier ones.
“Like turn five, six and seven: it’s hard to know exactly what’s the best thing. The fact you have to turn and brake basically defeats the whole object of racing.
“So, they can do some simple changes, I think, easy changes and maybe some are more tricky. But I hope they do it because then it should be more exciting for everyone.”
Race winner Andrea Kimi Antonelli said the layout discourages drivers from trying to pass rivals because the risk of a collision is high.
“It definitely doesn’t create overtaking opportunities and it doesn’t push you to try and make a move because 80% of the time you might have contact.
“I think especially in the second chicane [on the first lap], if I would have turned in, me and Lando would have touched and probably gone in the wall and blocked the road. It definitely wouldn’t have been nice.
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“So, I think there are some corners that need to be changed to create more overtaking opportunities because right now, yes, it’s nice over one lap, but for sure in the race, you know, you’re just stuck behind.”
