Ex-F1 driver David Coulthard urges layout changes for Madring circuit after debut race

Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has warned that the championship cannot return to the Madring circuit unchanged in 2027, following negative fan and driver reactions to its debut race. The Spanish capital's new hybrid street circuit faced criticism after a 57-lap event characterized by a low number of overtakes. Although Turns 1 and 5 were identified as the primary overtaking areas, drivers still required high precision and bravery to execute passes without making contact.

Speaking on the Up To Speed podcast, Coulthard emphasized that criticisms from fans calling the race boring must be taken seriously rather than dismissed. He highlighted comments from driver Max Verstappen, who stated he was unconcerned when being caught by Lando Norris because he only needed to drive down the middle of the track as one would in Monaco. Coulthard noted that returning with the exact same layout next year and expecting a different outcome would be unwise.

With the circuit scheduled for another September race on the 2027 calendar, organisers and designers have roughly a year to implement modifications. Coulthard suggested adding a slower, traditional chicane similar to Monza to increase braking distance, arguing that the current first and second chicanes are too fast with shallow entry lines. Alternatively, he proposed adding a hairpin loop to encourage overtaking, noting that the fast, flowing middle section of the track cannot easily be altered as it joins the circuit together.