F1 News: Mayor plays down rumors of 2026 Madrid GP problems

(GMM) Madrid is definitely still racing towards the Formula 1 calendar.

On paper, the Spanish capital has a long-term contract to stage a grand prix on the newly-named ‘Madring’ street layout starting in 2026.

However, there have been reports of delays that have held up the beginning of construction – which has still not started.

Madrid mayor Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida, though, told Telemadrid on Monday that construction can finally begin within weeks.

“We have already put out to tender the contract for the construction of the circuit,” he said. “We will grant the license immediately, after Easter, so the works should, in principle, begin in May to accommodate the 2026 calendar.”

January 30, 2025

(GMM) The mayor of Madrid (pictured) has played down rumors the city may not be ready to welcome Formula 1 next year.

2026 Madrid circuit map – with perhaps one place to pass (if they are lucky) this has to be one of the worst F1 track layouts in history

Mayor Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida declared this week that although the sport is yet to set the calendar for 2026, the first event “will be held in September”.

The issue, however, is that a current delay means construction works on the area around the Ifema venue fairgrounds cannot begin until the end of April.

Spanish newspapers say the tender process is currently held up, amid speculation of problems with the joint financing of the project by both the city of Madrid and private investors.

Mayor Almeida, however, told Europa Press: “The race will take place, and it will be a success.”

But he warned: “Formula 1 is just around the corner, and we need to have the circuit and all the facilities ready. Everyone involved in this project is working very hard to make it happen.”

The mayor insists that the project is proceeding “according to plan”, reminding critics that similar recent projects in Miami and Las Vegas were also completed in the nick of time.

The deadline for construction companies to submit their tender applications expired earlier in January, and there were reportedly five offers submitted for the originally 137 million euro process.

The outcome is not yet known, nor is there a firm date set for construction to begin. However, mayor Almeida said he wanted to pass on “tranquility to the people of Madrid, because Formula 1 is going to be a success.

“Ifema and the community of Madrid are working very hard to make it a reality.”