In political and sporting circles in Spain, a battle is brewing between Barcelona and Madrid for the prestigious Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Although the official announcement has not yet arrived, rumors indicate that Liberty Media and Ifema Madrid are on the verge of sealing a deal that will bring the event from Barcelona to the Spanish capital from 2026.
This news triggers a series of political and economic conflicts of interest between the two cities.
Barcelona and Madrid: beyond sporting competition
The arrival of the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Madrid not only implies a change of location for motor racing lovers, but also triggers a series of interests that go beyond the sporting and economic, reaching even the political sphere.
The rivalry between the two cities has intensified due to the possibility of hosting one of the most prestigious sporting events of the year.
From the sporting point of view, an obvious conflict arises between the Circuit de Catalunya and the competition itself. Montmeló, the current home of the Spanish Grand Prix, has agreements signed until 2026, the same year in which Madrid intends to host its Grand Prix.
In view of this conflict, solutions such as alternating appearances or the inclusion of two Spanish circuits in the same F1 World Championship are being considered.
For Catalonia, losing the opportunity to host a race of the event would be more than a sporting issue; it would be a blow to its identity, since for a whole weekend, Catalonia becomes the center of world attention.
Design and financial conflicts
Although Madrid has made progress in negotiations to host the Grand Prix, it still faces significant challenges. The proposed layout must be homologated by the FOM and the FIA, and the first leaked designs have generated some doubts.
The choice of a street circuit, following the trend of other cities such as Miami or Las Vegas, has not been well received by the most loyal fans.
The event in Madrid is positioned as a Premium VIP, backed entirely by private investors. This approach seeks to balance the high cost of the F1 fee, around 60 million euros per season, and the construction of the circuit, estimated at around 100 million.
In comparison, Barcelona continues to rely on the financial backing of the Generalitat government, with a royalty of 50 to 60 million per year.
A national coup or a development opportunity?
The dispute has transcended sporting and economic boundaries to become a political issue of national importance. From the Community of Madrid, the praise and enthusiasm for the project is palpable. The president of the community, highlights the administrative and cultural role that Madrid will play in the event.
