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Formula 1 announced that Spain would host two Grand Prixs during the next season. It is an important development for motorsports. The announcement came after it was confirmed that Madrid, with a new race on the calendar, would join while Barcelona retained its position under a revised name.
Madrid to Launch Purpose-Built Street Circuit
Madrid will become the Spanish Grand Prix thanks to a new hybrid circuit, located near the IFEMA centre in Barajas. The Italian studio Studio Dromo designed the 5.47-kilometre layout. It will include 22 turns. Lap times should be approximately one minute thirty-two seconds.
The construction of the circuit has already begun. The circuit will initially be able to accommodate 110,000 people per day. It has the capacity to increase to 14,000. Organisers placed accessibility at the top of their priority list, noting how close it is to Madrid’s international Airport and that there are many public transportation options, including metro, commuter trains, and buses. Attendees are expected to travel by public transport in 90 percent of cases.
The construction contract, valued at over €80 million, was awarded to a consortium led by Acciona and Eiffage. The project has been praised by both former world champion Fernando Alonso, and the current driver Carlos Sainz Jr. Sainz described the layout as being one of the most exciting developments for modern Formula 1.
Barcelona Retains Race Under New Name
The Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya which has been hosting the Spanish Grand Prix since decades will continue to appear on the Formula 1 Calendar under a brand new name, the Barcelona Catalunya Grand Prix. It will be an integral part to the season. Meanwhile, the Madrid race is the last European round before the sport moves overseas.
This is the first time since over a ten-year span will have two Formula 1 Grands Prix during a season. The previous race was held at the Valencia street circuit and in Barcelona.
Expansion: Why it is necessary?
The decision to give Spain a second Formula 1 race is a result of the growing popularity of Formula 1 in Spain. Television viewing has increased significantly due to the success and popularity of drivers from Spain, such as Alonso or Sainz. The sport’s leaders and organizers have identified Spain as an important market for the long-term growth of the sport.
Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula 1, has stressed that the addition of Madrid does not exclude a future for Barcelona in the long term. He also suggested that both venues offer unique and valuable offerings.
Focus on Innovation and Sustainable Development
Sustainability is at the core of Madrid’s development. The IFEMA complex is powered by 100 percent renewable electricity, and the construction materials used for the circuit are recyclable. Formula 1 has a broader goal to reach net-zero emissions of carbon within the next decade. These efforts are part of that. With the addition of the Madrid Grand Prix to the Formula 1 schedule and the continuation and expansion of the Barcelona race, Spain will become a major hub for the Formula 1 season, offering fans both traditional and innovative racing in one single season.
