He Circuit of Barcelona-Catalonia has been the home of the F1 race in Spain since 1991, but in 2023 it became increasingly clear that Madrid was going to become the home of the country’s grand prix, until today the official announcement came.
However, Barcelona could secure a place for a second race in Spain, which has already hosted two events in the past, when the European GP was held in Jerez in 1994 and 1997, and then in Valencia between 2008 and 2012.
The problem is that there are few gaps in future calendars, as more and more venues sign long-term agreements.
“To avoid doubts and clarify this, the fact that we are in Madrid does not exclude that we can stay in Barcelona in the future,” he said. Sundays to the F1 website.
“Looking ahead, there are conversations underway to see if we can really expand our collaboration with Barcelona, with whom we have a very good relationship, for the future.”
Domenicali stressed that there remains a healthy interest in F1 in Spain, which currently has two drivers on the grid thanks to double world champion Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz.
“Spain was a market that a couple of years ago was not at the center of our attention,” he said.
“Now it is very important. We have signed a new agreement with the Spanish network DAZN until at least the end of 2026.”
“It’s a nice problem to have multiple cities – some in the same country – wanting to host a grand prix.”
“It shows the value of our proposition. But we have to focus on the reason for our success, and make sure we are not complacent.”
The Italian stressed that the push for a race in Madrid reflects the general health of the category, with many cities showing interest in joining an increasingly populated calendar.
He also acknowledged that a new high-profile home in Europe broke with the trend that has seen the series expand into the US and the Middle East.
Layout of the Madrid runway
“This is great news for F1 as it shows once again that there is a huge appetite around the world for our sport,” he said.
“It shows that at a time when Europe is perceived as a place that is not prepared to invest in our sport, Madrid and others are showing that it is.”
“They have presented a fascinating project, which will be built over the next two years and which takes into account the fans and their entire experience, from the trip to the entire event.”
“The proposal we received from the promoter was great. From day one, it has been an open debate about what this event can be.”
Domenicali also highlighted the duration of the Madrid agreement, with only Bahrain – whose agreement with F1 extends until 2036 – currently having a longer contract.
“I am very happy that it is an agreement that takes us until 2035, that is a long time,” he said. “This is the goal of F1, with new or more established promoters.”
“It allows everyone involved to plan for the future and invest in the future, as it is a guarantee for the promoter, for our partners, for our teams and for our sport. It gives everyone long-term visibility.”
“If you look at the past, renewals were for two, three or five years at most. Now all our new agreements are going in the direction of being very long. And if they are short, it will be for a reason.”
Commenting on the sustainability credentials of the new headquarters, he said: “F1 is fully committed to achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2030.”
“And IFEMA MADRID shares our vision and ambition to make the Spanish GP in Madrid one of the most accessible and sustainable F1 events on the calendar.”
“The new venue will have excellent connections with the city, by train, metro and bus. It is located just 16kms from the city center and it is the promoter’s objective to bring the vast majority of the city’s fans to the track through of public transportation.”
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