Stefano Domenicali on Madrid joining the F1 calendar from 2026 and how sustainability is at the heart of the new venture

On the day Formulation 1 introduced that the Spanish capital Madrid is becoming a member of the calendar from 2026 – after agreeing a 10-year deal to host an occasion at a newly-constructed monitor – we communicate to President and CEO of Formulation 1 Stefano Domenicali in regards to the particulars…

Madrid reveals Europe needs to put money into F1

Lately, Formulation 1 has seen thrilling progress within the Center East – with the likes of Saudi Arabia and Qatar becoming a member of the calendar – and the USA – the place F1 now has three races in a season.

However the return of Italy’s Imola and the Netherlands’ Zandvoort has proven Europe nonetheless needs to struggle for F1, and Madrid’s funding in a brand-new facility is the most recent instance of that.

READ MORE: Madrid to affix Formulation 1 calendar from 2026 in new long-term deal

“It’s nice information for Formulation 1 because it reveals as soon as once more that there’s sturdy urge for food all over the world for our sport,” says Domenicali. “It reveals that at a second the place Europe is perceived to be a spot that’s not able to put money into our sport, Madrid and others are exhibiting it’s.

“They’ve offered an enchanting venture, one which will likely be constructed within the subsequent couple of years and a venture that’s contemplating the followers and their entire expertise, from their journey to the entire occasion expertise. The proposition we acquired from the promoter was nice. Because the first day, it has been an open dialogue of what this occasion could be.”

One other bumper deal for F1

Madrid’s deal runs from 2026 to 2035 inclusive, with capability set to be 110,000 per day for the opening race, rising to 140,000 inside the first half of their contract. That can make it one of many largest capability races on the calendar, rivalling the likes of Austin, Melbourne and Silverstone.

“I’m more than happy that it’s a deal that takes us to 2035 – it’s a very long time,” says Domenicali. “That is the target as F1, with both new or extra established promoters. It permits everybody concerned to plan the longer term and make investments sooner or later as it’s a assure for the promoter, for our companions, for our groups and for our sport. It provides everybody long-term visibility.

“In the event you have a look at the previous, the renewals have been two years, three years or 5 years most. Now all our new offers are going within the path of being very lengthy. And if they’re brief, there’s a motive.”

READ MORE: Every little thing it is advisable learn about F1’s latest circuit in Madrid – together with what makes it so distinctive

Madrid’s arrival doesn’t essentially imply the top for Barcelona

The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has been a everlasting fixture on the F1 calendar since 1991. With Madrid signing a deal for 2026, it has raised questions on the way forward for the Barcelona race.

Domenicali says it isn’t essentially the top of their partnership, particularly as Formulation 1 is having a resurgence within the nation, which presently has two drivers on the grid within the type of Aston Martin’s double world champion Fernando Alonso and Ferrari racer and two-time Grand Prix winner Carlos Sainz.

“For the avoidance of doubt and to make clear right here, the very fact we’re in Madrid isn’t excluding the very fact we might keep in Barcelona for the longer term,” he says.

“Wanting forward, there are discussions in place to see if we will actually prolong our collaboration with Barcelona, with whom now we have an excellent relationship, for the longer term.”

F1 has seen a lift in reputation in Spain within the final 12 months. In 2023, the European nation had a complete season TV viewers of 77m, which is round 3.5m per race on common and an 84% improve versus the earlier 12 months.

EXPLAINED: Your key questions answered as Madrid joins the F1 calendar from 2026

Over 10m watched final 12 months’s Spanish Grand Prix, with social media following rising 23% to 882k and 4m distinctive guests heading to Formula1.com, a rise of 45% versus 2022.

“Spain was a market that simply a few years in the past, was not within the centre of our eyes,” says Domenicali. “Now it is vitally necessary. We signed a brand new take care of Spanish broadcaster DAZN till no less than the top of 2026.

“It’s a pleasant drawback to have, to have a number of cities – some in the identical nation – eager to host a Grand Prix. It reveals the worth of our proposition. However we have to preserve targeted on the explanation for our success and ensure we aren’t complacent.”

Sustainability is on the coronary heart of Madrid’s new enterprise

The circuit will likely be constructed across the IFEMA MADRID conference centre, which is simply 5 minutes away from Madrid’s worldwide airport, and with sustainability in thoughts.

During the last 5 years, IFEMA MADRID has decreased its carbon footprint by 78% – with plans in place to additional slash its carbon emissions.

All their buildings use 100% licensed renewable power in all exhibition halls and any momentary constructions constructed for the race will likely be constructed utilizing recyclable supplies.

And they’re additionally seeking to implement zero waste disposal in any respect their websites by 2026.

F1 EXPLAINS: The unbelievable logistics of F1 and the way the game strikes extra sustainably than ever all over the world

“Formulation 1 is absolutely dedicated to reaching Internet Zero Carbon by 2030,” says Domenicali. “And IFEMA MADRID shares our imaginative and prescient and ambition to make the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid one of the crucial accessible and sustainable F1 occasions on the calendar.

“The brand new venue may have nice connections with town, by practice, metro and bus.

“It’s situated simply 16km from town centre and it’s the promoter’s goal to carry the overwhelming majority of followers from town to the monitor through public transport.”