Madrid residents brace for disruption as new F1 circuit tests exceed noise limits
Ahead of Madrid's first Spanish Grand Prix this month, tests at the new Madring circuit recorded noise nearly double the legal limit, fuelling resident protests and legal action.
Residents near Madrid's newly built Madring circuit are raising alarm over noise and disruption ahead of the city's first Formula One Spanish Grand Prix, scheduled for 11-13 September. During recent tests with Formula Three cars, average noise levels reached 102.7 decibels, with peaks up to 109.1 decibels — far above the 55-decibel limit permitted in residential areas.
The 5.4km circuit, built in northeastern Madrid at a cost of €83m, is intended to draw visitors and boost the local economy, with organisers promoting its proximity to the city centre.
The Stop F1 Madrid group, formed a year ago, is pursuing legal action over the circuit's construction and expected noise. Spokesperson Antonio Ibáñez said residents had struggled to work remotely during the tests, and families with autistic children had to leave the area due to the distress caused. The group also fears the strain that large crowds attending the race will place on public transport and the local area.
City councillor Borja Carabante said noise during the actual race would be lower than during testing, since Formula Three cars are louder than Formula One cars, and said acoustic panels would be installed to reduce disruption. Regional infrastructure minister Jorge Rodrigo defended the event's economic value, calling on residents to accept a weekend of inconvenience.
Environmental concerns
Environmental groups say more than 700 trees have been felled or relocated for the circuit's construction, and a seasonal wetland that supported amphibian species has been destroyed. María Ángeles Nieto of the Madrid Environmentalist platform warned the circuit would worsen the city's urban heat island effect during summer months, when temperatures can exceed 40C.
