The plan to host a Formula 1 street race in Madrid has encountered a significant legal challenge as a local court accepted an appeal questioning the approval of the new circuit. The Madrid 22nd Administrative Court formally admitted the complaint concerning the construction permit for the so-called “Madring” circuit intended to be located at IFEMA.
The appeal comes from Plataforma Ecologista Madrilena, represented through Liberum Natura, which contests Madrid City Council’s decision to grant the construction licence without conducting a comprehensive environmental impact assessment. This opposition highlights concerns around the project’s environmental and urban planning procedures.
Environmental Groups Criticize Permitting Process and Project Scope
Plataforma Ecologista Madrilena describes the approval process as “complex, fragmented and opaque,” emphasizing the use of temporary activity permits rather than a formal environmental review. Multiple other environmental organizations, including ARBA, GRAMA, and Jarama Vivo, have voiced strong criticism toward the 189 million euro project, accusing authorities of deficient urban and environmental oversight.
The temporary nature of the street circuit, planned to be dismantled after ten years, intensifies concerns. The appeal argues the approval depends on permits typically used for limited, short-term events,
“similar to those granted for the installation of tents during neighbourhood festivals,”
which raise questions about the project’s scale and environmental safeguards.
City Officials Defend the Legality and Thoroughness of the Project
Despite the court appeal, acting mayor Inma Sanz reaffirmed confidence in the project’s legality and thorough preparation at a recent event in Moratalaz. She described the dossier as “a thoroughly worked-on file” that had received endorsement from the technical services of Madrid City Council, which included 131 reports within this Special Plan.
Referencing her comments reported by Europa Press, Sanz underlined that the project has support beyond the city level, stating,
“It has been very well done, not only by the City Council’s technical services but also by other agencies, both within the General State Administration and the Community, which endorse the project being carried out.”
Implications for Madrid’s Formula 1 Ambitions and Environmental Oversight
The ongoing legal appeal signals a critical point for Madrid’s plan to introduce a Formula 1 street race, as environmental scrutiny may delay or reshape the project. The challenge raises important questions about how large-scale, temporary urban developments are assessed and approved, particularly in relation to their environmental impact.
Resolution of this appeal will likely influence not only the future of the Madring circuit but also how similar projects are managed in Madrid and other cities balancing sporting ambitions with environmental stewardship.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is number 13 banned in F1?
A. Yes, 13 is permitted. Pastor Maldonado picked #13 when the permanent number system started in 2014. Despite being seen as unlucky in some cultures, F1 let drivers decide.
Q. Which F1 driver has ADHD?
A. Lewis Hamilton’s experiences with ADHD and dyslexia have greatly influenced both his personal life and his racing career. His journey challenges traditional ideas of success in Formula 1 and highlights the importance of acknowledging learning differences.
Q. Is 69 allowed in F1?
A. F1 driver number rules let each driver pick a permanent number between 2 and 99 for their career. The only exception is number 17, which cannot be chosen.