The regional government has approved the start of the process to alter the route of the Vereda de los Leñeros, located near Ifema. This modification is essential for a section of the future Formula 1 Madrid urban circuit, scheduled for September, to pass through the area.
The request, promoted by Ifema Madrid and submitted by the Madrid City Council, is based on a special plan approved in July 2024 to redefine the uses of the Juan Carlos I exhibition center and its surroundings, thereby facilitating major sporting events. The affected livestock path dates back to 1946, and any alteration must preserve its surface area and functionality, ensuring compatible uses.
This decision has drawn criticism from the municipal opposition. Socialist councilor Antonio Giraldo has denounced on social media that the Community is acting "against the clock" and that the initial special plan overlooked the existence of this livestock path, which he believes could invalidate the entire project.
“"The Community of Madrid has initiated (now!) against the clock the modification of the livestock path that crosses IFEMA, which, as I told you at the time, the Special Plan made for Formula 1 had ignored. And which was going to be the cause of total nullity."
The matter is already subject to legal proceedings at the Superior Court of Justice of Madrid (TSJM), with allegations of potential urban planning irregularities. The socialist councilor accuses the administrations of improvising just months before the event and warns that if the courts ultimately annul the project, his prior warnings would gain significant relevance.
The Community of Madrid has set June 5th as the start date for technical recognition and field study work on Ribera del Sena street. The definitive approval of the route change will require a subsequent order from the Ministry of Environment, Agriculture, and Interior.
