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Newsweek

F1 Faces Backlash Over Environmental Impact of Madrid Street Circuit

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Formula One announced the construction of Madrid's Grand Prix street circuit, Madring, in April, set to be part of the calendar in 2026. However, aggrieved residents are opposing the construction of the circuit due to its impact on the environment. A protest is also scheduled for July 21, calling out the "felling, pruning, and transplanting of trees" that is being carried out to develop the circuit. The Madring replaces F1's iconic Imola next year, becoming the only European city to host a Grand Prix with the backing of the City Council and the Community of Madrid. The circuit spans 5.4 km, sporting 22 corners. While that might sound very interesting to Grand Prix enthusiasts, residents affected by construction activities and the event's potential environmental risk are not having it. An Instagram account by the name 'stopF1madrid,' linked to a website has firmly stated that "our neighborhoods are not a circuit," calling out the reported noise pollution the Grand Prix will generate, and the burden of a high carbon footprint that will reportedly be left behind. The movement comprises residents of affected neighborhoods, neighborhood associations, and representatives of political groups from the municipal opposition. The site stated: Arch to promote the Formula 1 Grand Prix at Madrid Car Experience, Madrid's motor show, at the Feria de Madrid Ifema, on 25 May, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. From May 22 until May 26, arrives... Arch to promote the Formula 1 Grand Prix at Madrid Car Experience, Madrid's motor show, at the Feria de Madrid Ifema, on 25 May, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. From May 22 until May 26, arrives at Ifema the car show to see the latest news and bets of the brands in an environment of entertainment, music and gastronomy. More"We want to stop MADRING. "A project that will only generate noise and mobility problems for thousands of homes in the Hortaleza district and surrounding IFEMA, as well as for educational centers and workers in the area. "Each Grand Prix generates a massive carbon footprint: more than 10 tons of CO2 are emitted per race." 700 trees are claimed to have "disappeared." Residents have highlighted three main problems from the Madring: 1. Extremely strong noise and air pollution "The preliminary studies themselves conclude that the circuit will generate noise levels far exceeding the legally permitted levels, and will also be a major source of air pollutants. In fact, for the F1 to be held, the City Council must temporarily suspend the ordinance on permissible noise levels." 2. Major inconvenience and problems for the neighbors "There are even plans to force those most affected to leave their homes while the races are taking place. Five months of construction work per year during the ten years the circuit will be open (three months of assembly, race days, and testing, plus a month and a half of dismantling) will be a real ordeal, not to mention the resulting mobility problems, disruption to public transport, and congestion." 3. Destruction of green spaces "Up to 700 trees have disappeared, in addition to the occupation of a livestock trail." Residents have also signed an online petition, calling for the stoppage of the Grand Prix at Madring. A thread on Reddit pointed out the anti-F1 protests over the felling of olive trees that were centuries old. Some reactions from the users are stated below: This user says nobody asked for a Madrid street circuit: "Good, F1 fans didn't ask for this track either. Nothing but support for the people over at r/Madrid." Comment byu/gabagoolafficionado from discussion informula1 Another user asked an important question: "The fans don't want a Madrid street circuit, the locals don't want a Madrid street circuit, the drivers don't want a Madrid street circuit. So who is this ACTUALLY for" [sic] Comment byu/gabagoolafficionado from discussion informula1 This user won't be watching the race in Madrid: "That's disgraceful. Might not watch this GP." Comment byu/gabagoolafficionado from discussion informula1 This user pointed out a similar concern. Should racing be limited to the circuits only? "One of Brazil's Stock Car street circuit races was cancelled because of the same reason. Totally valid IMO. How can you push for carbon neutrality when your sport is responsible for destroying nature." Comment byu/gabagoolafficionado from discussion informula1 F1 has been striving to become carbon-neutral by 2030. But with the scheduled protest against the race at Madring, it remains to be seen if the sport will be willing to address the concerns of residents affected by the project.