Official confirmation is still pending, but now it seems almost certain: after months of behind-the-scenes negotiations, Madrid will finally have its Grand Prix. After more than forty years, Formula 1 is poised to return to hold an event in the capital, following the Jarama GP in 1981, won by Gilles Villeneuve. However, the factor of Fernando Alonso may have proven decisive in the choice to build a semi-city circuit through the streets of IFEMA-Valdebebas.
Is Fernando Alonso behind the choice to move the GP to Madrid?
The year 2026 is not just any date for Formula 1 but a very significant turning point. After the introduction of ground-effect regulations in the past season, the new car concepts will come into effect in just over two years, with a focus on power units that will see a considerable increase in electric power.
Clearly, this is one of the main reasons that would have led Madrid to push for the inaugural race in 2026. In addition to this, the factor of Fernando Alonso should not be underestimated. Despite the contract expiring with Aston Martin at the end of the next season, the Asturian will presumably still be on the grid.
Carlos Sainz, about to sign a renewal with Ferrari, would also represent an additional push to move the Grand Prix from Barcelona to the capital in just over two years. Having a driver from Madrid would undoubtedly provide a significant boost, although it remains to be seen whether Montmelo will honor the contract until 2026 or leave a year early.
According to reports from Spanish newspaper MARCA, Barcelona could also decide to give Madrid the exclusivity for 2026, then return in 2027, thus avoiding getting into an escalating game that would disproportionately increase costs.
The Real Federación Española de Automovilismo awaits the FOM and IFEMA to reach a commercial agreement to formalize the Grand Prix and start construction work, which, according to MARCA, could take about 27 months.
Source: f1ingenerale
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