11/06/2025 13:30
Lewis Hamilton has admitted he is not a fan of many new F1
circuits, stating over 90 per cent of them are worse than the
venues they replace. A fresh track is set to join the F1 schedule
next year with Madrid taking over the Spanish Grand Prix, despite
also Barcelona having a contract for one more year. Its position on
the schedule beyond next year is unknown, however Hamilton has
voiced support for the event to remain on the calendar. "I think
ultimately losing any of the classics, and this is one of the
classics, I think would be a shame, because as I said, it's a great
city," Hamilton told media including RacingNews365 . "There's a
great following here in Spain, particularly since Fernando [Alonso]
was here. As long as we have a race in Spain, that's what matters
most. "This feels like the home of Formula 1 in Spain. But it's
okay to progress as a sport, and I know Madrid, as I said, is a
great location." Madrid is the latest in a series of street tracks
that have been added to the schedule in recent years, following
locations such as Jeddah and Las Vegas. The evolving calendar has
also seen Spa-Francorchamps, a favourite among drivers and fans
alike, switch to being present on the schedule every second year
from 2027. Hamilton admitted he does not have much faith the new
tracks will be as fun to drive as "classic" venues. "As long as
they build a good circuit, which I'm less hopeful for – building
new circuits is very, very hit and miss. 90 plus per cent of the
time, it's worse. "As long as it's a better circuit, or as good a
circuit, I'm not bothered either way."
