“Our neighborhoods are not a racetrack”: Madrid rises up against Formula 1

“Our neighborhoods are not a racetrack”: Madrid rises up against Formula 1. Strong protests in Madrid against the 2026 Formula 1 Grand Prix..

2025 F1 race start, George Russell, Max Verstappen

Protests in Madrid against the Formula 1 Grand Prix are growing louder: “Our neighborhoods are not a racetrack,” shouted demonstrators, as the situation seems to be spiraling out of control. Formula 1 looks ahead to the future with the new Madrid Grand Prix scheduled from 2026, but the Spanish capital is already shaken by heated opposition, turning into a genuine revolt. On Sunday, September 14, in the heart of Madrid at Puerta del Sol, hundreds of citizens gathered during an event linked to the race, chanting in unison the slogan “Our neighborhoods are not a racetrack.”This is not the first time that the people of Madrid have raised their voices against the project. For months, a local citizens’ committee has been active in opposing the construction of the urban track, even launching a petition to block its approval. Their accusations are clear, highlighting the problems that Formula 1 would bring to the city: noise levels beyond legal limits, increased air pollution, and the environmental impact of building the circuit. (CLICK HERE FOR THE VIDEO)

Madrid does not want Formula 1: protests erupt in the streets

Residents point out that, in order for the race to take place, the City Council would have to suspend existing regulations on noise levels. On top of this, the construction of the track has already led to the felling of around 700 trees and the occupation of green areas, including an old cattle trail. The group “Stop Madring” — created to fight the project — openly speaks of an ordeal for the local community: five months of construction work every year for an entire decade, with serious consequences for mobility, traffic congestion, and disruption to public transport.

One of the most serious concerns also involves possible forced evacuations: during race weekends, some families could be forced to temporarily leave their homes due to noise and safety restrictions.

The protest movement, which once again made itself visible on Sunday, reaffirmed its determination: “We want to stop Madring,” the demonstrators repeated, convinced that Formula 1 will bring far more disruption than benefits. The clash between sporting development and residents’ quality of life has only just begun, and it promises to remain a central issue in the countdown to the debut of the new Grand Prix.