Madrid announces 10-year F1 contract, but CEO keeps door open to 'complementary' Barcelona race
Formula 1 has a contract in Catalonia's Montmeló site until 2026, when Madrid's will start
Madrid will host a Formula 1 Grand Prix for 10 years from 2026, putting the future of the Catalan race into doubt.
The contract between F1 and Catalonia's Montmeló track runs until 2026, leaving the question that the sports event could leave Catalonia entirely when the contract is up.
Yet, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has spoken on Tuesday about the new Madrid Grand Prix as being "complementary" to the Catalan race, which has a history spanning more than three decades at the Circuit de Catalunya de Montmeló.
"We must not forget that we are very strong in Barcelona," Domenicali said in an intervention at the presentation of the new Madrid race.
Domenicali was excited at the Madrid proposal because he said it combines important elements such as sports competition, technology or sustainability. "Madrid has presented a very innovative, interesting project, it's your time," he said.
The hosting of the races will mean an annual income of €450 million for the Spanish capital region.
Catalan government 'very calm'
Meanwhile, the Catalan government maintains that it is still negotiating to extend the contract for the Circuit de Catalunya.
Business minister Roger Torrent assures that the executive is "very calm" about the future of the F1 event in Catalonia.
"The working dynamics of the circuit will continue as it has been the last 33 years," Torrent said.
"We are very happy with the relationship with F1 and we know that F1 is very happy with the organization of the grand prix. We are convinced that the relationship will last for many more years," he reiterated.