SUMMARY
- Negative responses engulf F1's latest Madrid Grand Prix announcement.
- F1 world questions the need for another street circuit, having unveiled Miami and Las Vegas in the last couple of years.
It is no secret that fans have wished not to see any more street circuits added to the calendar. But with the Spanish Grand Prix taking their F1 weekend to Madrid with a 10-year contract from 2026, the F1 community has expressed their genuine disinterest while the CEO, Stefano Domenicali, did some damage repair.
Many fans have been anticipating the 2024 season after Red Bull‘s masterclass and the 2026 season which could quite possibly become their downfall. However, as the new regulations set the mood for a competitive season, the chances of having yet another street circuit in Madrid while the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya waves goodbye to the event, the FIA CEO has stepped in to give a clear statement.
CEO Stefano Domenicali passes verdict on Barcelona’s future
Until now, Barcelona has managed to provide the sport with a great circuit and has held its place in F1 since 1991. But with so many years of giving the sport a classic track to race on and an unsure future, the authorities are currently in talks with Liberty Media about the sudden change. The 2.894-mile-long circuit has uncertainty looming on its head.
Many fans also took to Twitter to bash the new calendar “upgrade” with Madrid joining the many street circuits that are already on the calendar. With classic street circuits like Baku and Saudi Arabia on the list and Suzuka’s unpromising future, the F1 community has asked Liberty Media to not “ruin” the sport with its new ideas.
🚨 | Barcelona could stay on the F1 calendar after 2026, says Domenicali:
“There are discussions in place to see if we can extend our collaboration with Barcelona.” pic.twitter.com/GuFA7A4EkL
— formularacers (@formularacers_) January 23, 2024
However, as the talks of having two races in Spain, Madrid, and Barcelona, just like Italy and the USA, the CEO Stefano Domenicali tried to do some damage control with the recent hate. He stated that while Madrid may join the calendar, Barcelona could stay on the calendar.
He said, “There are discussions in place to see if we can extend our collaboration with Barcelona.”
The news of yet another street circuit joining the calendar in 2026 bummed out many fans considering the sport already consists of seven street circuits throughout the season.
Domenicali gives his opinion on Madrid being a better F1 circuit
The Spanish Grand Prix has been a debacle for many years with most stars like Shakira, Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, Rihanna, and more making their appearance in Barcelona. Nevertheless, with the war between fans wanting the Barcelona circuit to stay and Liberty Media pushing for Madrid to barge in, the CEO of F1 has given his opinion on why Madrid is a better fit.
He said, “The new hybrid circuit – built around the IFEMA fairgrounds & convention center – delivers maximum value for fans. It truly epitomizes F1’s vision to create a multi-day spectacle of sport and entertainment.”
It’s confirmed ✅️🇪🇸 Madrid will host the #SpanishGP from 2026, in a multi-year deal with #F1.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali says the new hybrid circuit – built around the @IFEMA fairgrounds & convention centre – “delivers maximum value for fans”.
What do you make of the plans? pic.twitter.com/F7AShHKYUE
— Autosport (@autosport) January 23, 2024