Max Verstappen heavily criticises new Madring F1 circuit: 'That's BS'

Max Verstappen has launched a pointed criticism of Formula 1's new Madring circuit, dismissing the idea that space constraints excuse the lack of overtaking opportunities as "BS".

Verstappen will start from third on the grid for Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix after finishing 0.140s adrift of pole-sitter in McLaren's Lando Norris, with championship leader Andrea Antonelli splitting the pair in second in his Mercedes.

Although the circuit presented a challenge for the drivers in qualifying, there are concerns the race will be a sterile one given the lack of passing places around the 22-corner layout.

Speaking to the media after qualifying, including RacingNews365, Verstappen said: "I like the grip. They did a good job with the Tarmac, even though in some places it's a bit too bumpy already for a new track.

"The corners, you can't overtake. So, in some places, the braking zones, they need to learn that it should never be that you have to steer, that you have to combine under braking, because it doesn't allow any kind of overtaking.

"For sure, in terms of track design, I think it can be better. I also think input from drivers in the future on track design can also help a lot.

"I know they will always come back to you and say, 'Yeah, but the space'. But that's BS. There's always a way to find an overtaking opportunity around a track."

Verstappen feels Madring changes needed for the future

Verstappen at least felt the event overall to be "very cool", and the organisers had done "a great job" in that respect.

He added: "Also, how quickly they made the track available, the information that was shared for the simulator, so in that sense, it's very good.

"But if you want to have better racing and overtaking, there are a few corners that can be changed."

Asked how Sunday's race is likely to unfold from his grid slot, the Red Bull driver replied: "It will be tough. Let's say, best-case scenario, you're faster, but you can't pass.

"There are no corners where you can pass, so you need to rely on people degging very aggressively, so it's going to be tough.

"The long runs here have been very tough, a lot of deg for everyone, so that will probably be the key point tomorrow, but even with that, I still need to figure out a corner where to pass."