Stefano Domenicali, CEO of F1, has underlined the importance of the quote from Spanish Grand Prix to be held from September 11 to 13 at the new Madring circuit. In a meeting with the Spanish press, the director of Liberty Media assured that the work is progressing on time and on schedule, that everything is “under the control of the promoter, despite some rumors” and that is a strategic appointment for the expansion of F1, without prejudice to continue going to Barcelonawhich from 2027 will rotate on the calendar.
Today they are missing 100 days until the first day of free practice in Madring and Domenicali believes that everything is ready. “Yes There are 100 days left until the event and everything is progressing on the right track. I know that in recent weeks there were those They tried to generate some uncertainty, asking: ‘Where are we? What’s happening?’ Whatever happens, we will be ready,” he says, speaking in plural. and making clear the support of the F1 to this new project.
“There is still much to do, but is under the control of the promoter, of course, and every week we meet with our team to follow up and detect any problems that require intervention. Today, for example (on Tuesday), the presence of the FIA has been expanded. “It’s been excellent,” he says.
“Everything is on the right track. As I said, there is a lot of enthusiasm around this project. There are many factors that, I would say, have allowed Spain to occupy a prominent place in the world of motorsports, since it is the first time that, of course,we will be in Madrid with the Formula 1 model that we have established“he highlights.
“And it is fantastic that the capital of Spain has been so interested in bringing a great event like Formula 1. This is great for us, because Spain, for our market, perhaps after soccer, is the second sport with the greatest visibilityaudience and followers. Therefore, there is a great expectation that with this Grand Prix in Madrid that the Spanish people, and not only the Spanish, will benefit enormously,” adds Domenicali.
“I think it is also developing a great promotional campaign for the city. And the idea of Madrid being a city, or rather, an urban circuit, where logistics can be managed through public transport, near the airport and also near the city center“, he assesses the fact that the administrations and the public are dedicated to the new race.
He also wanted to make it clear that Madring is above the polarization between Madrid and Barcelona, but then left a message to the promoters of the Circuit and the Generalitat.
“We are very happy because we added a new track to the Formula 1 circuit that It will be spectacular, where there will be a lot of action and it will give us fresh air. It is always important to offer fans a place that deserves our attention and that of the entire Formula 1 community. And this We say this without disrespecting Barcelona, just to make it clear, because for us, Barcelona has always represented an incredible event in Spain,” he points out.
Spain, with two events, is something unique in the calendar, “in which many want to be and cannot. We must congratulate ourselves for this. I see great potential in the Spanish market to be even more important in the future. And as you know, now there are two incredible drivers: Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz, who will attract even more,” he said.
“This kind of semi-permanent circuit is something we have never seen before in our offer. We have always opted for semi-permanent or permanent circuits. This It is a unique situation that will be very interesting“, predicts the Italian manager.
Sainz’s return and the surprises
“As I have been before Carlos, I also went around and checked the track. I think the interesting thing, although it is not yet clear, is How will the new performance of this car (the 2026 one) affect the overtaking points? of this circuit”.
“I’m certainly curious about see how the entry of the bank will be faced and how braking will be taken in the chicane, before and after the tunnel, with the accelerator. The track is very wide, there is a lot of space, so it will be an interesting route. And, of course, the asphalt will be constantly evolving, lThe tires will never be completely worn out. So there will be many interesting points in the preparation of this Grand Prix,” he said, showing his role as engineer and head of Ferrari at the time, along with Fernando Alonso.
What Madrid has and Barcelona does not have
“Without a doubt, I think it is a very pertinent question and the answer is very simple. This approach has prompted other European circuits to improve their offer, not in economic terms, but in terms of the proposal. In the sense thatand it is no longer taken for granted that it is still part of the future. “Historical aspects are important if you are willing to invest in the future.”
“And I think This situation has allowed Barcelona to maintain progression, to restart of what had been achieved, something that had not happened before. And it’s true, it’s a fact. The good thing is that, when we inaugurate Madrid, we never said it was an election for the future. In fact, it is not. But Barcelona has the opportunity to recover and do the right thing for the future. So it’s actually a better situation for the Spanish market that Madrid has also put pressure on Barcelona to ensure that this Grand Prix has the value to be extended even further into the calendar.”
Will Alonso’s possible retirement affect him in a few years?
“Last year, in Mexico, without Checo Pérez competing, tickets were sold out. So the passion for this sport is certainly very, very strong. This situation will help interest in motorsport continue to grow, to maintain it, and that is what I really believe. In terms of the attention that the drivers receive, it is a great boost that will benefit the promoter.”
Madrid will be there for 10 years and Barcelona will alternate
“I’m very direct about this, I don’t think I should regret, perhaps Barcelona is regretting, But when the time comes to negotiate and debate, someone has to make a decision without delay. So, I think we gave Barcelona the right information at the right time and that window is better as far as I’m concerned because I’ve always been very open with our friends from Barcelona and therefore everything was in the sunlight when we discussed it.”
