F1 Madrid GP construction delays continue, but Imola unlikely to step in. Construction at the new Madrid GP circuit is still behind schedule ahead of its 2026 F1 debut..

F1 | Madrid still behind schedule with construction, but Imola unlikely to replace it

Construction continues ahead of the Madrid Grand Prix, set to debut in Formula 1 in 2026, while Imola still hopes for a last-minute return.

Beyond the technical and regulatory changes we have already started to get familiar with, one of the highlights of the 2026 F1 season should be the introduction of the Madrid GP on the calendar. The conditional is necessary, as discussions in recent months have focused on the timeline required to complete the works on the so-called ‘Madring’ circuit.

In this regard, Stefano Domenicali has repeatedly reassured Spanish fans that the Madrid event will be part of the championship inaugurating the new era of Formula 1. Nevertheless, images continue to surface showing that the construction is still far from completion.

What is the current status of the Madring?

Recently, the Spanish newspaper AS published several photos highlighting the current state of the city circuit expected to host the sixteenth round of the 2026 season, scheduled for the weekend of September 13. On one hand, the general layout of the Madring is beginning to take shape, but on the other hand, it is clear that there is still a significant amount of work to be done before it is ready.

This is where Imola comes into the picture. The historic Italian circuit was excluded from the 2026 calendar but continues to hope for a last-minute slot. Should Madrid fail to guarantee readiness for the September event, Imola could potentially seize the opportunity. However, the likelihood of this happening is relatively low, yet, as always, hope is the last to die.

The ongoing construction saga in Madrid presents a fascinating battle between modern ambition and the harsh realities of civil engineering. While F1 leadership remains publicly committed to the September 13 debut of the “Madring,” the shadow of Imola serves as a potent reminder that the sport’s historic heartlands are always ready to step in when the new “jewels” in the crown lose their luster. For the fans, the prospect of a late return to the banks of the Santerno offers a comforting safety net, but for the organizers in the Spanish capital, the current delays are a clear signal that there is no more room for setbacks. As the 2026 season approaches, the race to build the track may prove just as intense as the race itself.