The Spanish Grand Prix will be held in Madrid from 2026, at the brand new Madring circuit. The track is being constructed near the Spanish capital, on a dedicated exhibition site. However, various sources report that local authorities are encountering problems with the construction. The work has reportedly been delayed to such an extent that it is far from certain that racing can take place in Madrid as early as next September. Imola is reportedly ready to step in.
The Madring, which partly runs over public roads and partly over a newly constructed circuit site, is set to be the backdrop for the revamped Spanish GP in the second weekend of September. The track is being built near Barajas airport and is expected to become a new crowd puller for Madrid and its surroundings. However, it is possible that the circuit will not be completed in time to host its first Grand Prix. Multiple sources report that numerous obstacles have been identified during construction, including infrastructure issues.
Meanwhile, skepticism is growing as to whether the construction and necessary homologation can be completed on time. Local authorities are silent about delays and assure that everything is still on schedule. It is known, however, that the construction of the Madring has led to protests from local residents, who complained about noise pollution, environmental impact, and the use of public funds. According to Italian RMC Motori, which recently visited the site, the delays are so significant that Formula 1 is working on a backup plan.
Imola as a Backup Plan
“The Madring is a massive construction site, with excavators and bulldozers standing idle across vast areas showing no signs of recent progress,” the medium reports. “The pit building, where the garages and race control are supposed to be, is currently nothing more than marshy land. According to leaks from Liberty Media, the delays are considered so severe that a backup race is being considered. Imola tops the list. And while the Spanish GP is scheduled just one week after Monza, the prospect of two races in Italy has sparked interest among organizers and fans.”
