Jun.4 (GMM) Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali says he has no regrets about Madrid securing Spain’s long-term future on the calendar, suggesting Barcelona only has itself to blame for being pushed into a rotating arrangement.
Speaking to the Spanish press, Domenicali defended the decision that will see Madrid host the Spanish GP for the next decade starting this September, while Barcelona is set to alternate on the calendar from 2027 onwards.
“I’ll be very direct,” he said ahead of Barcelona’s 2026 grand prix in a week.
“I don’t think I have anything to regret. Perhaps Barcelona does.
“When negotiations are necessary, someone has to make decisions without delaying them or waiting indefinitely. We gave Barcelona the right information at the right time. I’ve always been very transparent with our friends in Barcelona.”
Domenicali insisted Madrid was never chosen at Barcelona’s expense and argued the new race has actually forced the Circuit de Catalunya to modernise and invest in its future.
“It’s not against Barcelona,” he said.
“Barcelona has the opportunity to come back and do the right thing for the future. It’s a better situation for the Spanish market that Madrid has pushed Barcelona forward to ensure that the value of a Grand Prix is seen and that it remains on the calendar for longer.”
The comments came as FIA officials carried out inspections in Madrid this week ahead of the inaugural race in September.
Despite recent reports about disputes involving circuit developers Dromo and Tilke, Domenicali said Formula 1 has no concerns.
“Everything is going according to plan,” he said.
“There’s nothing today that would make me say, ‘Oh God, what’s going on here?’ Everything is under control.”
He downplayed suggestions the legal issues could cause delays.
“We fully agree with the decision the developer has made,” Domenicali said. “We understand that this won’t affect the delivery of the project.”