With the Madrid circuit set to feature as the Spanish Grand Prix from 2026, nine other venues also are in danger of losing out on future contracts amidst Liberty Media’s inclination towards forging long-term contracts with race promoters.
Some of these circuits have a rich history of being associated with F1 and it could herald a new phase of racing in the sport.
While the move to Madrid will feed into F1’s desire of expanding its global reach and attract new fans, the racing prowess on a street circuit will undoubtedly hamper the driving experience.
Barcelona, though, has been a mainstay on the F1 calendar since 1991 and the decision to move to Madrid has raised concerns over the direction Liberty Media is taking the sport in.
With commercial aspects taking centre stage, it seems as if history and tradition are far from the priority of F1 owners Liberty Media.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali was in a buoyant mood while announcing Madrid as a future destination for the sport.
“I’m very pleased that it’s a deal that takes us to 2035 – it’s a long time,” the Italian said.
“This is the objective as F1, with either new or more established promoters. It allows everyone involved to plan the future and invest in the future as it is a guarantee for the promoter, for our partners, for our teams and for our sport. It gives everyone long-term visibility.”
However, while it may attract new fans, purists have been left disturbed about how little emphasis is being given to traditional racing circuits.
A close look at the list above shows the existing deals that Liberty Media has in place with the circuits across the globe.
Nine circuits will run out of contract by the end of the 2025 season, including the likes of Silverstone, Suzuka, Monza, Monaco, Mexico, Shanghai, Imola, Spa and Zandvoort.
While some of them are expected to get new deals, it is not unfathomable to assume that Liberty Media will also axe others.