Mallorca's racing dream: Could Formula 1 come to Llucmajor?

On site I examined the location several times: the proposed area lies southeast of Palma, not far from the motorway to Arenal, and has the extent you would expect for an international circuit. The design foresees more than five kilometres of track, with long straights and some fast corners that could also serve as a test track for manufacturers. A standout idea is a large, covered main grandstand — a kind of glass pergola with steel arches and climbing plants so it doesn't look like a metal bowl. Sustainability is a selling point: retention basins, photovoltaic fields, wind turbines at the edge and geothermal technology are among the proposals to reduce water use and energy demand throughout the year. The organisers plan not only races but also a racing school, workshops for development teams and tyre manufacturers' test runs. That would create year‑round employment — from construction workers to technicians and catering staff. Of course, there are financing questions: banks and investors want concrete commitments, and without guarantees from the commercial rights holders the risk is high. From conversations with locals I know: many would welcome jobs, others worry about noise and traffic. Personally, I believe that transparent planning and real environmental requirements are crucial. If the responsible parties now negotiate seriously, Mallorca could open an unusual chapter in motorsport — but it will be a rocky road to the starting grid.

On site I examined the location several times: the proposed area lies southeast of Palma, not far from the motorway to Arenal, and has the extent you would expect for an international circuit. The design foresees more than five kilometres of track, with long straights and some fast corners that could also serve as a test track for manufacturers. A standout idea is a large, covered main grandstand — a kind of glass pergola with steel arches and climbing plants so it doesn't look like a metal bowl. Sustainability is a selling point: retention basins, photovoltaic fields, wind turbines at the edge and geothermal technology are among the proposals to reduce water use and energy demand throughout the year. The organisers plan not only races but also a racing school, workshops for development teams and tyre manufacturers' test runs. That would create year‑round employment — from construction workers to technicians and catering staff. Of course, there are financing questions: banks and investors want concrete commitments, and without guarantees from the commercial rights holders the risk is high. From conversations with locals I know: many would welcome jobs, others worry about noise and traffic. Personally, I believe that transparent planning and real environmental requirements are crucial. If the responsible parties now negotiate seriously, Mallorca could open an unusual chapter in motorsport — but it will be a rocky road to the starting grid.

Environmental regulations, water consumption, local residents' protests and uncertainty among sponsors are the main points of criticism. Without firm commitments from major racing series, the risk for investors remains high.

If you visit the region, combine a drive to the potential circuit with an espresso in Llucmajor and a walk on the nearby Arenal beach. Best travel time: spring or autumn, when the weather is mild and there are fewer tourists.