The designer of the Madrid F1 circuit aimed for 'more extreme' banking.
"Zandvoort was definitely the standout"
12 September 2025 - 09:16
Zandvoort’s renowned sharp corners significantly influenced the design of Madrid’s new Formula 1 circuit, with its designer acknowledging a desire for even more innovation. With F1 returning two weeks ago for the Dutch GP, this coastal location is set to host its final race in 2026 before leaving the schedule. The track's comeback in 2021 included a significant redesign by Jarno Zaffelli and his company, Dromo, featuring the addition of heavily banked turns that quickly became iconic. "For us as a company, Zandvoort was definitely the standout," Zaffelli expressed to De Telegraaf. "At many circuits, compromises must be made, and initial concepts often need adjustment. That wasn’t necessary at Zandvoort - we primarily had to focus on environmental regulations." When asked about his new Madring project in Spain’s capital starting in 2026, Zaffelli confessed, "Yes, we aimed to go even bolder in Madrid, but unfortunately, that proved to be unfeasible. However, it’s evident that Zandvoort has opened our eyes. I believe that eventually, it will be possible to design something even steeper than what we have at Zandvoort, but that might take several years."
Other articles
Verstappen hopes that Barcelona remains on the F1 calendar.
Formula 1 | Max Verstappen expressed his desire for Barcelona to continue being a part of the Formula 1 world championship calendar beyond 2026. The street event in Madrid has (...)
Max Verstappen: Racing is not just my profession
On Saturday, Max Verstappen will take part in qualifying and compete in the seventh round of the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS), the German touring-car endurance racing series...
Adidas will pay Audi a lower sum compared to Mercedes in their Formula 1 deal.
Formula 1 | Audi's recent collaboration with Adidas will be valued lower than the German sportswear brand's concurrent sponsorship deal with Mercedes. Earlier this week, (…)
Hamilton: I'll gradually build up speed in Baku.
Lewis Hamilton hopes for a successful showing at the next round in Baku, but adds that he will gradually pick up speed as the weekend progresses.
Cadillac hosts a 'virtual Monza Grand Prix' in anticipation of its F1 debut.
Formula 1 | Cadillac is intensifying its preparations for entering Formula 1 in 2026, having conducted a complete 'shadow race weekend' during last week's Italian Grand Prix at (...)
The US Grand Prix promoter expects to extend the contract.
Negotiations to extend the contract to hold the race at the Circuit of the Americas are underway, progress is being made, and, according to Bobby Epstein, he is fairly optimistic...
The designer of the Madrid F1 circuit aimed for 'more extreme' banking.
Formula 1 | The well-known steep turns at Zandvoort served as an inspiration for Madrid's new Formula 1 circuit, with its designer acknowledging a desire to take the design even further. As (…)