P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The announcement that the Spanish Grand Prix is headed to a street circuit in the nation’s capital Madrid in 2026
circuits becoming increasingly popular in Formula 1, the 2024 season will feature seven (potentially eight) street circuits, including Jeddah, Albert Park, Miami International Autodrome, Monaco, Baku City Circuit, Marina Bay Circuit, and the Las Vegas Strip circuit. Madrid will potentially make that number eight in 2026. However, this trend raises concerns as F1 cars are better suited for high-speed tracks with fast, sweeping curves, unlike the limitations of street venues. As the popularity of street circuits grows, traditional tracks such as Spa and Monza are under threat of being dropped from the calendar. The tight layouts and limited overtaking opportunities of street circuits provide challenges for drivers and often lack the character and appeal of classic circuits like Suzuka and Silverstone. Nonetheless, the benefits of hosting city events include improved transport and access for fans, local trade, and the opportunity to create a spectacle around the race.
