José Mourinho visits Madring track as F1 marks capital’s new Grand Prix

Real Madrid manager José Mourinho was in Madrid for Formula 1’s new Madring circuit this weekend, speaking exclusively with F1.com at the event about his love for F1, how the sport compares to football, and why this specific race at the capital’s newly built track carries extra emotion for him.

F1.com reports that Mourinho arrived after the Spanish Grand Prix, where he watched action close to Real Madrid’s training base. He told F1.com it was the first time he’s attended this Grand Prix at Madring, adding that working nearby meant he had been following the build “every day” as it came closer to opening for racing.

The interview also touched on Mourinho’s wider experience of motorsport. F1.com notes that he has made multiple paddock visits in previous seasons, including last year’s British Grand Prix, and that his current visit includes time spent around the circuit and meetings with prominent F1 figures.

On the connection between football and racing, Mourinho highlighted what he views as a shared theme of “huge pressure” at the highest level, while arguing that F1 can feel “one step ahead” in how it approaches big moments. He said he believes football can learn from the way drivers, he suggests, can be together and conduct media obligations before being in the car shortly after, ready to “fight for their lives.”

F1.com also reports that Mourinho referenced learning from F1 leadership, saying he asks questions of Stefano Domenicali, and that although he couldn’t attend Saturday activities because of match commitments, he said he enjoys coming for Qualifyings and Free Practices to get closer and interact more. The piece concludes that he intends to return in future, framing his relationship with the paddock and its personalities as continuing to grow.

Written by Vancouver Television Sports Desk