Protestors in Madrid have taken to the streets of the Spanish capital to oppose its plans to host the brand new Formula 1 race in the city.
Madrid was initially announced as an F1 venue early last year, with further plans subsequently revealed as a street race which broke ground in May.
Known as the ‘Madring’, the circuit is slated to be 3.3 miles long, taking in notable parts of the city, including the IFEMA conference centre, as well as having a notable banked section.
The circuit organisers can boast additional clout through Madrid-born Williams driver Carlos Sainz, who became an ambassador for the event.
It will be the only change to next year’s calendar, in which it has swapped with the Imola circuit, and will be held on September 13.
However, many Madrid citizens have taken to the streets to voice their opposition to the F1 race, citing concerns regarding the environment and noise pollution.
The countdown is ON 🇪🇸
— Formula 1 (@F1) September 13, 2025
On this day in 2026 we will be lining up for the Spanish Grand Prix at the all new Madring Circuit in Madrid 🙌#F1 #SpanishGP @madring_oficial pic.twitter.com/VndYIghJRc
The group, known as ‘Stop Formula 1 Madrid’, protested on Sunday, using the slogan, ‘Our neighbourhood is not a racetrack’, with one protestor quoted as saying: “Only a few have the benefits, everyone has to bear the losses.”
It has also cited the failed Valencia Street Circuit, venue of the European Grand Prix between 2008 and 2012, as a case positive for its cause.
The venue’s original deal of seven races was reduced and never returned to the calendar, causing the city’s debt to be as high as around an estimated £255 million.
In June, shortly after being present at the groundbreaking event, Sainz said he would use his ambassadorial role to ensure the race will hold a worthy place on the calendar, saying he was “trying to have a bit of an effect and influence in some corners to make sure they produce the right amount of overtaking and show.”
READ MORE – Exclusive: How Williams F1 rebuild has become a ‘life project’ for Carlos Sainz
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