Toto Wolff confirms Spanish GP talks with FIA as change beckons

Toto Wolff has confirmed that Spanish Grand Prix organisers held discussions with the FIA over the weekend at the Madring on how to improve the circuit after the venue's debut race drew heavy criticism for its lack of overtaking.

Although the track's tight, technical layout produced a compelling qualifying session, the race itself proved largely processional, with drivers pointing to a series of combined braking-and-steering zones that made passing all but impossible.

It is understood that following the usual opening-lap scraps, there were just four overtakes of note, making it worse than Monaco, around which there were 10 at this year's grand prix in May after the first lap.

Wolff, speaking to the media, including RacingNews365, said he had been impressed by the overall event despite the on-track shortcomings.

"For a first [event], it's probably one of the best, or maybe the best I've seen so far," said the Mercedes team principal, whose driver, Kimi Antonelli, went on to take to the chequered flag.

"It's a temporary circuit. [But] They've built something challenging for the drivers, a mini Macau or a mini Monaco, and the location is good.

"We're thinking about how much more we can do next year in terms of the events here or presentations because we have the space and that's very rare.

"That is the tricky bit. Doing a spectacular track, also for the drivers, and then building it in a way that there is lots of overtaking."

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FIA talks under way

None of the drivers had a kind word to say about the track following the race. McLaren's Lando Norris, who finished third, said he could not understand how the current layout had been signed off, criticising the sections where drivers are forced to steer and brake simultaneously, stripping out any chance of a late lunge into a corner.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen, runner-up to Antonelli, made a similar point, arguing that combining steering and braking in the same zone removes any possibility of overtaking and that the track design itself needs work.

Antonelli also insisted the layout does not encourage drivers to attempt moves because the risk of contact is too high, adding that certain corners need to change to create genuine passing opportunities.

Wolff revealed that conversations between the circuit and the sport's governing body had already begun on how the layout could be reworked before next year's race.

"I discussed with the CEO of the circuit, and they are totally open-minded about next year," remarked Wolff.

"They said they've had discussions with the FIA - 'What is it we should do? How should we lay the track out when it comes to overtaking?'

"There is a constant discussion, and I think that they are on it and understand that we can tweak it a little bit here or there."