F1 GP in Madrid, ‘final stage’ of negotiations with F1: this is what you need to know

Madrid is getting closer and closer to F1. Sportish already reported exclusively in April last year that sources close to negotiations between Madrid and F1 expected F1 to arrive in the Spanish capital. I found out that it will be after 2027., F1’s contract with the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit ends, with races to run until 2026 (include). 8 months later, “El Mundo” assures that this date could be brought forward to 2026. If that happens, Spain will host the Grand Prix twice in the same year, the Grand Prix in Madrid and the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. This means that unless the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya relinquishes its status in 2026, the Circuit de Catalunya is not considering it in any case.

According to the newspaper, an announcement of the deal is “imminent” and could be announced by Liberty Media (F1’s owner) in the next few hours, or next week at the latest. In that sense, IFEMA officials assured the European Press that negotiations with Liberty Media are in the “final stages” and that the Madrid Grand Prix is ​​in its final stages. “We have not received final confirmation yet.”. “Progress is being made and the final decision is a matter for F1.”has added its sources to the aforementioned agency and assured that it will make an announcement “when the time is right” to do so, without confirming or denying that an announcement may be imminent.

On his side, Madrid Mayor José Luis Martínez Almeida was also very optimistic about this.but I couldn’t confirm that confirmation is a matter of hours or days. “We are the perfect city to host F1. We have made efforts through IFEMA, but the official confirmation is equivalent to F1.” he added. When asked if the GP would be implemented in 2026, the councilor simply replied: “We worked hard and met all the requirements, but the final decision will be based on them.”

Circuit in front of Real Madrid Sports City

What you must remember is that As already mentioned in the MD last April, the F1 route created around IFEMA Madrid and passing through several streets of Valdebebas was already designed at that time..

A person close to the negotiations told this newspaper that the circuit would go ahead. IFEMA to Valdebebas forcing vehicles to pass under the M-11 bridge. The route already designed uses one of the widest streets that runs right next to IFEMA, such as Calle Dublin, heading towards Valdebebas and passing under the M-11 bridge towards Real Madrid Sports City. is needed.

Investments in this event must be 100% private. In this case, as MD has learned, there are important Mexican investors behind the scenes who have a huge interest in making this race a reality in Madrid. According to El Mundo, “powerful multinational companies responsible for organizing races in Mexico and Miami” are keen to create the event.

Circuit has contract until 2026: plans to negotiate

On the other hand, there is also the situation at the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit. The massive facility in Catalonia is under contract until 2026, and route officials did not want to evaluate what they believed to be rumors, but were adamant: The 2026 F1 Spanish Grand Prix will be held in Barcelona, ​​regardless of whether there is another race on the calendar being held in Madrid under a different name.

Things will change from 2027. If the Spanish Grand Prix is ​​on the calendar, we will have to wait and see whether Madrid keeps its name and whether Barcelona is likely to keep the race. As the MD learned, F1 would have offered the Generalitat the possibility of matching the numbers that Madrid had put forward in its proposal.

The F1 calendar is becoming more and more eventful, with a total of 22 events scheduled by 2024, and racing in this competition has become all the rage among the youngest generation in recent years thanks to the Netflix series. An increasing number of countries are interested in ‘Drive to Survive’, and given the great finale of the 2021 World Cup, as I pointed out a few months ago, it seems difficult for Spain to host two Grands Prix in the long term. be able to F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali gave an interview to AS newspaper. In the interview, the Italian welcomed the ongoing and future improvements to the circuit’s facilities, but added: “What’s happening now in Barcelona should have happened sooner.” emphasized.

“For example, I’m seeing what I’ve been looking for for years. It seems like the city finally understands that we’re here. Two years ago, they were looking elsewhere. . That’s essential if you want to look forward. Without that focus, it’s impossible. You’ll see that,” Doimenicali told AS a few months ago.

F1’s fan base is growing all over the world, and it’s starting to find success in markets where it hasn’t been successful before, such as the United States. Therefore, with the promise of Added urban races in Austin, Miami, and Las Vegas. That’s exactly the model F1 likes best. With appointments in city centers, urban areas, locations close to public places and easily accessible, we can create the perfect product for the personalities who leave the most money on the track. There are VIPs and guests around them.

For this very reason, Madrid’s options are viewed very favorably by F1. The track is accessible by public transport and on foot, making it fully compliant with F1’s wishes. Additionally, this product will allow F1 to use his IFEMA pavilion to provide a VIP experience that is in high demand and at a higher price.

But at the same time Barcelona-Catalunya circuit has a contract until 2026 and there is an opportunity to continue negotiations to remain on the calendar There may be gaps left by other historical layouts whose future is uncertain.

Sources from the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya told the newspaper that negotiations between the Circuit of Catalunya and F1 are still ongoing and the main focus now is on creating the best possible Spanish Grand Prix in 2024. Guaranteed. Despite it being clear that Madrid has everything in place to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix, everything remains open.

of Patricia Playa, Government Spokespersonsaid on Tuesday that it was a “rumor” that the Spanish capital would eventually host the Grand Prix. “In no event were we notified by the organizers and no formal changes were made.”he insisted.

On the other hand, the presidentVíctor Francos of the Superior Sports Council (CSD) said at an event at the Barcelona Equestre circuit on Monday that the survival of the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix at the circuit is at risk “for the first time”. .

“There is a project in Madrid presented by IFEMA, and it is known that it is a semi-urban circuit that will compete with Barcelona. For the first time there is an alternative,” Francos explained at the colloquium. .

But Playa expressed the Generalitat’s desire to “extend the agreement” beyond 2026, saying: “We will continue to cooperate and maintain permanent contact with the organizers.”