Why Madrid is protesting its Formula One Grand Prix

Credit: Formula One

Most cities would happily welcome an event like a Formula One Grand Prix. Initially, there was excitement when the F1 Madrid Grand Prix was announced, but over time, this excitement faded. Citizens became skeptical and began to question the benefits of the event. These concerns eventually led citizens to protest.rv This article aims to address the questions surrounding these protests and provide an explanation of the background behind them. 

Background 

The Madrid Grand Prix was officially announced on the 23rd of January 2024, when Formula One confirmed that the Spanish Grand Prix will move to Madrid from its previous site at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and be held there between 2026 and 2035. 

The event is promoted by Institución Ferial de Madrid (IFEMA), which is a public consortium that manages exhibition events in Madrid. The City Council, Chambers of Commerce and other public bodies are also involved in this project. 

Spanish F1 driver Carlos Sainz was announced as the ambassador of the event. Influential local figures, including Sainz, endorsed the event as “an exciting opportunity for Madrid and for Spanish motorsport.”

The circuit is nicknamed “Madring” and will be a hybrid circuit combining streets and purpose-built sections. The 3.38-mile (5.47 km) track is located near Barajas Airport and near the IFEMA fairgrounds. The design features include 22 turns, banked corners, and projected top speeds of 211 mph (340 km/h).

A joint venture was signed with ACCIONA (Spain, 60%) and Eiffage Construction (France, 40%) to build the track. Construction began in April 2025, following an inauguration ceremony attended by Madrid’s regional president, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, and Carlos Sainz. 

What are the protests about?  

On Sunday, 14th September 2025, a local group called “Stop Madrid F1” mobilized to protest against the organization of an F1 Grand Prix in Madrid. The prominent slogan during the protest was: “Our neighbourhood is not a racetrack.” Protestors raised concerns over environmental damage and financial risks, which they say will harm locals. 

Credit: Formula One

Environmental concerns 

According to the environmental report, the project will result in the removal of 729 trees, of which 295 cannot be replanted. Residents call this damage irreversible, with Canillas and Valdebebas being the most affected neighborhoods.

According to the Stop F1 Madrid website, 10 tonnes of CO2 will be produced per race weekend. Noise pollution is another issue raised: “The event will generate more than 95 decibels, which we will directly suffer,” said Constantino Blanco, spokesperson for Stop F1 Madrid. 

For context, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union (EU), acceptable noise in residential areas during the day is 50–55 dB. 

Public spending & accountability

Critics argue that organisers prefer spectacle over community wellbeing. The other prominent argument is that the country already has four active FIA Grade 1 circuits and no new circuits are needed.  

As the project is a public-private partnership, critics fear public funds will be lost if private investors withdraw. The failure of earlier projects, such as the Valencia circuit, incurred a massive loss. Valencia hosted the European Grand Prix  (2008-2012), but the project collapsed, leaving a debt of £255 million. 

Despite all these concerns, officials remain hopeful that the event will be successful and the benefits will outweigh the issues, resulting in a net positive. The controversy around the Madrid Grand Prix is not unique. In recent years, public opinion has grown more critical of major events, be it the Olympics or the football World Cup; these projects come under scrutiny. 

Construction will proceed as planned. It now falls to the stakeholders of the Madrid Grand Prix to demonstrate that the event can deliver its promised benefits and prove critics wrong.