Chaos in Madrid: Citizens Protest Against Formula 1 and the New GP – Here’s Why

Más Madrid Leads the Protests: Pollution, Disruption, and Environmental Damage at the Heart of the Criticism

Tensions are rising in Madrid ahead of Formula 1’s return to the Spanish capital in 2026. The project for the new city circuit, strongly backed by local authorities and Liberty Media, is facing fierce opposition from a significant portion of the population.

Leading the protest is the political group Más Madrid, which has publicly denounced the potential negative effects of the event, gaining the support of many local residents. A petition calling for the cancellation of the Grand Prix has already gathered tens of thousands of signatures — a clear sign of widespread discontent.

According to critics, the event would generate unacceptable levels of noise pollution, with the sound of F1 cars far exceeding the decibel limits set by Spanish law. Social disruption is also a concern, with some citizens reportedly being forced to temporarily leave their homes during the race weekend.

There is also growing criticism over mobility issues, with the annual construction of the circuit expected to cause major traffic congestion and strain on public transportation.

But the environmental concerns have sparked the strongest backlash: according to Más Madrid, around 700 century-old trees have already been cut down to make way for the project, and a traditional cattle path — part of the area’s cultural and natural landscape — has been destroyed.

A Grand Prix that is far from finding peace: between fans unhappy with the layout, delays in construction, and growing public criticism, the new “Madring” doesn’t seem to be convincing anyone.

Photo: Madring