Domenicali reacts to Barcelona and Madrid’s future in F1 and denies he is thinking about another race in the US

“One of the things that was important to us when we signed with F1 in 2006 was what F1 stands for and how that fits with the values ​​at the time – innovation, teamwork, hard work, competition, always being ahead of the curve – and that’s what helped us. We’re pleased that they recognise us as F1,” he said. Ana Botín, President of Santander Bank,in Press conference held in Santander to announce the agreement between the Spanish company and F1 to become the sport’s official bank.

At his side, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali was waiting for questions from the press, and as expected, the first topic on the table was: Madrid and Barcelona.

Madrid announced earlier this year that it would officially join the F1 calendar from 2026 onwards, but has yet to announce a promoter, with some saying one would be made official shortly. However, nothing is known about it. Because of this, Domenicali was asked if Madrid was on target with the deadline as they should not take any more time to build the circuit in time for the Spanish Grand Prix to be held in Madrid in 2026. And obviously, the same question has been asked about his future at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, where he wants to renew his contract beyond his current one, which expires in 2026.

“I wasn’t expecting this question, probably not the first time…”“We’re not here to talk about Catalonia or Madrid, but about Cantabria, and I think it’s a matter of respect. I’m very happy with what Barcelona has done so far and with how they are looking to renew their relationship with us in the future, but I’m also very happy with Madrid’s contribution because it’s a good place for the city. “It’s a good moment for Spain from a sporting point of view, and as always in life, in sport competition brings the best results.” Argument.

“Would such an agreement help maintain two Spanish Grands Prix when there is talk of holding another race in the United States?” the MD asked.

“One more race in America, that’s not true. It’s obvious, but it’s not true. Three races in America would be perfect. But as I said before, I’m not here to talk about the calendar, I’m here to talk about the calendar. Of course, the great agreement we have with Santander is a good sign, because everything helps, but it would not be right to focus on more than that, because the focus today is on the great cooperation between F1 and Santander. “Stefano did not want to give any further details, but added:

German GP?

Furthermore, during the presentation, Ana Botin asked Stefano Domenicali if there were plans for F1 to return to Germany, an important country for Banco Santander.

“Germany has been part of our calendar since the beginning of F1, it’s a place with a lot of motorsport tradition, but now we are not having a Grand Prix there, not because we want to, but because the situation in Germany is difficult. And we are always looking for the best partners to be able to return in the future, we are currently talking to them, we have Audi coming to F1, we have Mercedes and of course we are working hard to find a great partner. But we are not in a position yet to say we can do that, but of course our job is to return to Germany,” Domenicali explained.