If some had already found the Spanish Grand Prix held in Madrid last week to be more than enough, they might be in for a bigger serving. Stefano Domenicali, head of Formula 1, has just confirmed that the option of staging the 2027 pre-season also in Madrid is being seriously considered.
Although Formula 1 has announced in its calendar that it will race in Bahrain, it is clear that it could be cancelled if the conflict remains in the area. Domenicali himself acknowledges this and mentions Spain as the main alternative due to its climate. Madrid and Barcelona would host the 2027 tests.
If Bahrain falls, Madrid could host more Formula 1 from February 24 to 27
The city of Madrid could return to hosting Formula 1 sooner than expected. Specifically, the IFEMA street circuit is one of the favorites to host the 2027 pre-season in the coming winter. This is what Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of Formula 1, acknowledged in a chat with the SoyMotor portal.
Formula 1 announced this week its final calendar for 2027, and it states that the pre-season will take place in Bahrain. However, the geopolitical situation affecting the region makes it very likely that both those tests and the Grand Prix will be cancelled, just as happened this season.
And that is where the Spain factor comes into play, one of the few countries with good winter weather that can ensure there won’t be too much risk of rain and cold during the pre-season. Although it seems logical to head to Barcelona, which is a permanent circuit, Domenicali has not ruled out the possibility of visiting Madrid.
Domenicali says that “the possibility of testing is there. If Madrid is available, or Barcelona, it could be a place where this could happen.” It would be the first time in Formula 1 history that the pre-season is held at an urban circuit, but also a way to test the changes that Madring wants to implement.
What is certain is that Madrid will host its Spanish Grand Prix again next season, almost on the same dates as this year. Specifically, the event will take place from September 10 to 12, 2027. The question now is whether even before that, this winter, Formula 1 will return to Madring for the pre-season tests.
If, in addition to the population already finding it hard to accept that Formula 1 happens once a year in Madrid, having it twice would be rubbing salt in the wound.
Images | Formula 1, McLaren, Aston Martin
