Former Formula 1 team principal Guenther Steiner has issued a stark warning that the organisers of the Spanish Grand Prix at the Madring circuit must urgently alter the track's layout for 2027, as Motorsport.com reports. The inaugural 2026 event in Madrid was met with widespread criticism from fans, pundits, and drivers alike after a processional race that offered virtually zero overtaking opportunities.
During the race, Kimi Antonelli claimed his eighth grand prix victory of the season, beating Max Verstappen and polesitter Lando Norris to the flag. However, the win came courtesy of a well-timed virtual safety car rather than a decisive on-track pass for the lead.
Appearing on The Red Flags Podcast, the former Haas team boss acknowledged the severe negativity directed at the venue but asked for patience while adjustments are made. Steiner drew a direct parallel to the reception of another recent addition to the calendar. "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," he explained.
Stakes are high for the 10-year contract holding down the event. "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," Steiner added.
Recalling the initial struggles in Nevada, where loose drainage covers caused chaos and early morning track inspections, he noted how quickly perception can shift. "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."
Meanwhile, Antonelli's triumph in Madrid cemented his commanding position at the top of the championship, pushing his lead in the drivers' standings to 81 points. His nearest challenger is Mercedes team-mate George Russell in second, while seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton holds third, sitting 101 points adrift of the leader. The 2026 season moves immediately to its 15th round for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, scheduled for 24-26 September at the Baku City Circuit.
