F1 News: Madrid GP Confirmed But Fans Aren't Taking It Lightly

Many Formula 1 fans are a bit upset with the addition of another street circuit on the F1 calendar.

Formula 1 announced today that Madrid will host the Spanish GP starting in 2026. However, fans aren't taking the news lightly on social media, with numerous fans expressing their preference for more traditional circuits on the calendar as opposed to street circuits.

Barcelona was added to the F1 calendar as the official venue of the Spanish Grand Prix in 1991, and since then, it has hosted 33 Grands Prix. Nevertheless, there appears to be a gradual change in the type of race tracks favored by Formula 1's owners, Liberty Media, with an increasing inclination toward street circuits. It is worth noting at this stage that the future of the Circuit de Catalunya has not been decided yet.

Ferrari Press Image

Madrid's inclusion marks a new chapter for the Spanish Grand Prix starting in 2026. The year also signifies the onset of new regulations in Formula 1, featuring cars powered by a balanced combination of electric and internal combustion propulsion.

Look closely at the new street circuit in Madrid, and you will notice 20 turns. Consequently, F1 cars will carry an average speed of 218km/h on the 5.47km street circuit, that goes around the IFEMA Exhibition center in around 1 minute and 32.4 seconds. It's crucial to highlight that this street circuit is a hybrid track, akin to the circuit in Australia, featuring both street and non-street sections.

Though the new track is yet to be approved by the FIA, Formula 1 has officially added it to the calendar. However, Formula 1 fans have been ranting on the sport's Instagram post, with most demanding an end to the addition of street circuits to F1. 

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IFEMA - Madrid Grand Prix

Shared below are comments that attracted a large number of likes and reactions:

Here's a message to the 'F1 Boss':

"F1 Boss PLEASE listen to your audience, you’re going to ruin the whole category. NO ONE wants MORE street races!"

This comment received more than 10k likes:

"I never felt the need for a dislike button this much"

Sounds like an urgent plea. 

"Somebody please stop them"

They've made it clear already.

"Nobody wants street races"

The sport can't lose more fans, to be honest.

"I think I'm slowly becoming a WEC fan..."

There's someone who likes the new circuit too! But wait, was that a sarcastic comment?

"Love the turn that cuts through a roundabout"

Here's an activist. 

"Petition to save Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya"