Mohammed Ben Sulayem in favor of Spanish GP in Madrid: "It will happen, Madrid deserves it"

Mohammed Ben Sulayem in favor of Spanish GP in Madrid: “It will happen, Madrid deserves it”. 2026, a year of change for Spain as well.

2026, a year of change for Spain as well
Next season will be the last time the Spanish Grand Prix is held at the Barcelona circuit before the major change set for 2026. That year, Formula 1 will move to Madrid, with the race taking place on a street circuit near the IFEMA Palacio Municipal convention center. However, some issues regarding the event’s organization have emerged in recent months.

The challenges
These include the initial lack of a title sponsor and more recent concerns over noise levels exceeding legal limits, which raised the possibility of a temporary eviction. Madrid’s mayor, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, has since assured that no public funds will be used and that construction work—set to begin in the second half of 2025—will ensure the race weekend takes place in 2026.

F1 in Madrid? Yes, but not only there
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, a strong supporter of bringing F1 to Madrid, remains confident in the project and has even opened the door to other European nations: “We have a very limited calendar, but does Madrid deserve it? Of course, it does,” he said at a press conference in Jarama, a circuit near the Spanish capital that previously hosted the Spanish GP. “We always say that innovation was born in Europe, and it is still in Europe. Formula 1 was born here, and innovation is still here. Would I like to see more countries? Yes. Formula 1 in Germany and France? Yes.”

Mohammed Ben Sulayem stands firm
Currently, six Spanish construction companies are still competing for the contract to build the track, but Ben Sulayem remains fully committed to the project, reaffirming his support for the Madrid Grand Prix: “When you return to Madrid, you see this beautiful circuit—they deserve it,” he added. “The FIA is working closely with the circuit because communication is entirely in the hands of the FIA. The calendar is also something we have discussed with FOM and the promoter. We believe and agree that nothing more can be added, but of course, there have been changes. Madrid is in favor. Madrid will happen, I can say that, but the FIA will always have a role. The promoter comes and works side by side with the FIA. These are the facts.”