Madrid Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida announced that the city expects to generate roughly 400 million euros during its upcoming Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend.
Speaking during an interview on sports radio program El Partidazo de COPE with host Juanma Castaño, Almeida outlined the organizational details and economic expectations for the race hosted around the IFEMA exhibition center.
The total economic return of nearly 400 million euros represents a combination of direct spending, indirect revenue, and local job creation across the capital.
Almeida highlighted the rapid execution of the new Madring circuit, which was constructed in just 15 months around the IFEMA trade fair grounds in Madrid.
Describing his own experience driving around the newly built layout, the Mayor drew attention to La Monumental turn, noting that its steep gradient is more pronounced than that of the legendary Angliru mountain climb featured in Spanish cycling.
Almeida echoed observations on the track's technical difficulty previously raised by drivers such as Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli, emphasizing that the project aimed not to be just another race on the calendar, but one of the best grand prix events in motorsport.
Economic impact and attendance figures
Organizers expect 120,000 spectators to attend the inaugural race, out of a maximum capacity of 140,000 people, following high demand for tickets managed by IFEMA.
Almeida emphasized the prestige for Madrid in becoming the only major European capital city currently featured on the official Formula 1 calendar.
Regarding spectator transport, municipal projections calculate that 70 percent of attendees will use public transit to reach the venue.
A direct connection on the Metro de Madrid underground network will allow fans to travel from central Madrid to the IFEMA venue in 15 minutes.
Almeida commended the management work of Luis García Abad and José Vicente de los Mozos, praising their efforts to utilize existing telecommunications networks and venue infrastructure.
Warning to FIFA over World Cup final
Shifting focus during the broadcast, Almeida issued a stern warning regarding the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Spain is scheduled to co-host alongside Portugal and Morocco.
Addressing reports that football governing body FIFA might strip Spain and the capital city of hosting the World Cup final, Almeida stated that the nation would have to reconsider its position after leading the initial joint bid.
The Mayor assured listeners that Spain could not sit back with its arms crossed if FIFA decided to remove the showcase match from Madrid.
Driver praise and Atlético Madrid advice
Almeida also expressed gratitude for comments made by two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso, who praised Madrid's cosmopolitan appeal alongside established hosts such as Melbourne, London, and Dubai.
The Mayor defended the capital's recent growth and positioning among major international landmark cities.
Concluding on football matters involving local club Atlético de Madrid, Almeida addressed recent fan concerns surrounding striker Julián Álvarez.
Almeida said he does not demand an apology from the Argentine forward following recent doubts among supporters, but instead urged the player to focus on scoring goals for the team.
