The Formula 1 calendar could see major changes in 2026 as the Madrid Grand Prix faces increasing uncertainty due to delays in the construction of the new Madring circuit, while Imola continues to hope for a return to the championship schedule.
According to reports from Italian journalist RobertoFunoat, the situation at Madring is increasingly dramatic. The discussion around the Spanish track has been ongoing since November, when the first videos from the open-air construction site were shared, showing early stages of development.
At the time, the organizers issued firm reassurances that construction was on schedule and progressing as planned. However, as of February 2, the situation appears far from resolved. Recent videos shared by the X account RobertoFunoat reveal some progress compared to the November footage, but work is moving slowly, offering little confidence that the track will be ready on time.
Meanwhile, Imola, a historic circuit in Italy, still dreams of reclaiming its place on the F1 calendar for 2026. The images and videos of Madring paint a dramatic picture, showing only sections of what could eventually become a circuit, specifically around Curves 15, 16, and 17. On a positive note, machinery and crews are visible on site, signaling that work is indeed ongoing, albeit at a slow pace.
The new Madring circuit is expected to be completed by the end of May to allow the FIA to homologate it for events starting in June. The Madrid Grand Prix is scheduled for September 13, but the track must be fully operational months in advance. With just three months remaining until the official delivery deadline, both Liberty Media and the FIA are preparing to assess the circuit’s progress. In the meantime, Imola continues to hope for a spot on the 2026 calendar.
There is even speculation that the Italian Grand Prix at Imola could be moved to June to prevent two consecutive F1 races in Italy, providing a potential opportunity for the historic track to host its second race of the season. Fans of the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari will be watching closely, as the drama surrounding Madring could open the door for Imola’s long-awaited return.
The ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Madrid street circuit underscores the massive logistical and bureaucratic hurdles involved in bringing a new Formula 1 venue to life. While the “Madring” project promised a high-tech future for the Spanish Grand Prix, the slow progress on the Valdebebas site has inadvertently placed the spotlight back on the reliability and heritage of Imola. The FIA’s looming May deadline will serve as the final judge; if the asphalt and pit buildings aren’t ready, Formula 1 may find itself retreating from its expansionist ambitions in favor of a proven classic. For the tifosi, the prospect of an unexpected return to the banks of the Santerno river would be the perfect twist in the 2026 season narrative, proving that in F1, no calendar spot is truly guaranteed until the lights go out.
Construction delays at the new Madrid circuit therefore have kept Imola’s hopes of a 2026 return alive, with the FIA set to evaluate the project’s viability in the coming months.
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