Madrid are on course to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix for the first time in 40 years as a possible layout for the event has been suggested.
The mayor of Madrid, Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida, has revealed talks between the Spanish capital and F1 have been ongoing and successful, although no agreement has been reached yet.
Madrid previously hosted a race at the Jarama circuit but this new event would take place around the IFEMA fairground and Real Madrid’s world-famous Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
“Negotiations to have a Grand Prix in Madrid are going reasonably well,” Martinez-Almeida said.
“It is one of the great events out there and cities are measured by their ability to attract great events. I’m not going to give a percentage chance.”
Barcelona stand firm
The news of Madrid’s attempts to get on the F1 calendar, likely for the 2027 season, has not gone down well in the Catalan region of the country.
Barcelona currently host the Spanish Grand Prix and have stated their intention to keep doing so every year rather than alternate with Madrid.
“From day one that we signed the renewal contract until 2026, we have already been talking about the future,” Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya director Jose Luis Santamaria said.
“Our relations with Formula 1 are constant, very close and very good. And our objective is none other than the renewal of long-term contracts, because when we are immersed in a strategic plan for investment, adaptation and improvement of the installation, this always has to be linked to long-term contracts.
“We do not have knowledge of the Madrid project, we do not know anything, with which we cannot speak. It is true that our contract is in force and that we will be there.
“The only objective is long-term renewal. And the facts prove it. We have new buildings, we have new works, things that you go to, touch and see, and they exist.
“The other thing, when it comes and we can evaluate it, we will evaluate it. But for now, our contract is valid for the long term and we have a good relationship and good harmony both with F1 and with the teams.”
Agag’s green light
Formula E founder Alejandro Agag believes that F1 is very likely to head to Madrid and he even wants to bring Formula E to Spain very soon.
“I think Formula 1 is going to Madrid, the rumours I’m hearing are good, I think they’re doing very well,” he said to MARCA.
“I see it very feasible, I can’t tell you if it’s done or not, I’m not in F1, but what I hear is that it’s going very well.”
