Stefano Domenicali confirms his interest in a GP in Madrid
The head of F1 believes that, in future, the Spanish Grand Prix could be held in Madrid rather than Barcelona. But not on the Jarama track.
In the world of football, Barcelona and Madrid are historical rivals. This rivalry could extend to Formula 1. Since 1991, the Spanish Grand Prix has taken place in Montmelo, just a few kilometers from Barcelona, but this could change in the near future.
Last June, the City of Madrid expressed its interest in the sport through an open letter. While on a trip to Spain, Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of F1, was asked about the candidacy of the Iberian capital.
The Formula 1 is gaining popularity in Spain.
“I believe that at this moment, the most appropriate thing I can say is that for the upcoming years we have an agreement with the Barcelona circuit, which we are very happy about,” he told Marca.
« Madrid has proposed a new project that, for us, is interesting, and that will have to be developed in the future to understand if this project can be sustainable from a technical and economic point of view. So, what I can confirm is that this shows that Formula 1 is gaining popularity in Spain, logically because of Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz. »
Not before 2026.
The Italian confirmed that if a race were to be held again in Madrid, it would not be on the Jarama circuit, but certainly on an urban track. However, this would not happen before 2026.
« In Italy, this happens [the F1 goes to Imola and Monza], but we will see in the future. Seeing how we are growing worldwide, having two Grand Prix in the same country seems difficult in Europe. »
« In other parts of the world, like the United States, the dimensions are completely different [there will be three Grand Prix in the USA in 2023]. But I think the reality of our growth shows that it’s very difficult, but you should never say never. »
Story of negotiations?
Stefano Domenicali has been employing a quite aggressive strategy in recent years to increase competition among various Grand Prix promoters with the aim of boosting F1 revenues. By using this approach, he encourages promoters to offer more to F1 in order to be selected.
This statement would therefore also be an opportunity for Barcelona’s promoters to provide more income to F1 in order to keep a race in Montmelo.
