Formula 1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali has placed Madrid firmly at the centre of attention ahead of the capital’s long-awaited return to the championship, while also opening the door to the possibility of Spain hosting future F1 winter testing. With the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix preparing to make its debut at Madring, Stefano Domenicali has discussed everything from the event’s long-term role to contingency plans that could become relevant if geopolitical instability affects Formula 1’s usual testing arrangements.
After a 45-year absence, Formula 1 is returning to Madrid with the new Madring circuit, creating one of the most anticipated additions to the 2026 Formula 1 calendar. The Spanish Grand Prix therefore returns to the capital amid considerable expectation, with a modern semi-street circuit set to open a new chapter in Spain’s Formula 1 history.
Middle East uncertainty raises questions over Formula 1 plans
The international situation remains marked by significant uncertainty as tensions in the Middle East continue to threaten several rounds of the Formula 1 calendar. The season-ending races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi appear to be at risk, while the start of the following campaign could also be affected, with Bahrain and Saudi Arabia among the events facing questions. Those races have already been suspended in the past.
The situation could have consequences beyond the race calendar itself. Formula 1’s traditional winter testing programme, normally held at Sakhir, may also have to find an alternative venue if circumstances prevent the championship from using Bahrain as planned.
Against that background, several European circuits have emerged as possible contingency options. Stefano Domenicali has nevertheless publicly insisted that Formula 1 intends to continue according to its established programme and complete the championship at its scheduled Middle Eastern venues.
During an interview with SoyMotor, the Formula 1 president also categorically rejected the possibility of adding another race in Spain during the current season. Asked whether such a scenario could be considered as part of any calendar changes, Stefano Domenicali replied: “I can categorically say no.”
Stefano Domenicali opens door to Madrid or Barcelona winter testing
While an additional Spanish Grand Prix has been ruled out, Stefano Domenicali offered a much more unexpected answer when the discussion moved to pre-season testing. For the first time, the possibility of using the new Madrid circuit for winter running was openly acknowledged.
Asked about potential testing alternatives, Stefano Domenicali explained: “The possibility of doing testing is there. If Madrid has the availability, or Barcelona, it could be a place where this could happen.”
It represents a significant opening because Madring had not previously been viewed as an obvious candidate for prolonged Formula 1 testing. The characteristics of the new Madrid venue make the suggestion unusual. As a semi-street circuit, Madring features walls positioned particularly close to the track and technical characteristics that appear less naturally suited to the extended programmes teams normally complete during pre-season running.
Barcelona, by contrast, is a proven and familiar option. The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has a long association with Formula 1 testing and has previously provided teams with the varied corner characteristics needed to examine different areas of car performance. The venue has repeatedly hosted Formula 1 winter testing in Barcelona, making it a far more conventional alternative if Sakhir becomes unavailable.
Why Barcelona remains a natural F1 testing alternative
Although the Catalan circuit will not form part of the 2027 Formula 1 calendar, its layout allows teams to evaluate virtually every aspect of a car. Montmeló has hosted numerous test sessions over the years and was also the venue where the 2026 cars made their debut. It continues to be regarded as a preferred location for shakedowns, filming days and private testing.
Its familiarity is another important advantage. Teams possess an extensive bank of knowledge from years of racing and testing at the circuit, giving them established references when attempting to understand a new car or compare developments. The contrast with Madring is clear: Madrid offers a completely new environment, whereas Barcelona provides a known benchmark with a long history of testing use.
Formula 1 officially continues to project confidence that its planned calendar will proceed as scheduled. However, Stefano Domenicali’s comments introduce a new and potentially important variable. If geopolitical difficulties make Formula 1’s normal winter arrangements impossible, Spain could realistically become an alternative, with either Madrid or Barcelona considered as a possible testing venue.
Stefano Domenicali rejects idea of Barcelona-Madrid F1 conflict
Stefano Domenicali has also strongly rejected the suggestion that Madrid and Barcelona have ever been involved in a battle over the right to host the Spanish Grand Prix. Speaking during a round-table discussion with a small group of media representatives, the Formula 1 president explained that the objective had always been to promote the sport and demonstrate that the two cities could coexist within the championship.
“Now the total focus is on Madrid, and in fact it feels like yesterday when we were here to announce this plan. It feels like yesterday when so many people thought it was a joke. And it feels like yesterday when people believed it was a fight between Barcelona and Madrid,” Stefano Domenicali said.
He insisted that Formula 1 had never regarded the situation as the kind of fierce rivalry often associated with football. “In fact, that was never the case. It was never on the agenda. Because, as you know, we are not in that kind of dispute. We just want to promote the sport in accordance with our belief in what we are doing. In June we were in Barcelona, and we focused on that, which was a fantastic and successful event.”
The message is therefore clear ahead of Madrid’s debut: Formula 1 wants the focus firmly on Madring and on establishing the capital’s new event, rather than presenting it as part of a confrontation with Barcelona. At the same time, the uncertainty surrounding future Middle Eastern events has unexpectedly kept both Spanish venues relevant to another important part of Formula 1’s plans.
Madrid is preparing to begin a new era as host of the Spanish Grand Prix, but Barcelona’s established strengths have not suddenly disappeared. If circumstances force Formula 1 to reconsider where it conducts winter testing, Stefano Domenicali has now made clear that both cities could have a role to play.
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