FIA chief hints at calendar change as Madrid GP rumours continue

A high-ranking official from the FIA has proposed the possibility of hosting two Formula 1 races in Spain during a single season, with an official announcement regarding a race in Madrid anticipated this week.

Speculation surrounding the addition of an F1 race in Madrid gained momentum last week, fueling expectations of an imminent official confirmation of the event. Although the introduction of the Madrid race is likely slated for 2026, it raises questions about the fate of the longstanding Barcelona race, which has been a fixture in the F1 calendar since 1991.

Carmelo Sanz de Barros, the president of the FIA senate, expressed his views on the future of F1 racing in Spain. Born and educated in Madrid, he voiced his desire for F1 to return to the city and indicated that the prospect of hosting two races in Spain within a single year was not dismissed. Sanz de Barros acknowledged that having multiple races in a country was not unprecedented, citing examples such as the United States and Italy.

However, he cautioned that despite the enthusiasm surrounding the Madrid race, the process for establishing a Grand Prix was not as advanced as perceived. Sanz de Barros, who also serves as the president of RACE, the last host of an F1 race in Madrid in 1981 at Jarama, emphasized the procedural steps involved. He noted that the project had not yet been received by the sports authority in motorsports in Spain (RFEdA). He explained that if deemed valid and interesting, it would be forwarded to the FIA for homologations and certifications, particularly for a semi-urban circuit.

Sanz de Barros highlighted that, contrary to media reports, no one in the FIA had actively worked on the project. He underscored the multi-step process, including approval, homologation, calendar inclusion, and negotiation of trade and rights agreements. Additionally, he mentioned awareness of at least two other projects aiming to bring F1 to Madrid, underscoring the complexity and competition involved in realizing such endeavors.