New F1 Circuit Boss Issues Defiant Response to Constant Rumours

Luis Garcia Abad, general director of the new Spanish Grand Prix at Madrid's Madring circuit, has firmly rejected speculation that the race could be dropped from the 2026 calendar due to construction delays. Speaking to RacingNews365, he called the rumors baseless and confirmed the project is on schedule for its September 11-13 slot.

Why it matters:

The Spanish GP's move from Barcelona to Madrid represents a major shift in F1's European calendar, with a new venue designed to offer modern facilities and better fan experience. Any cancellation would leave a gap, potentially opening the door for Saudi Arabia to step in after its April race was canceled due to the US-Iran conflict. Abad's confidence is critical for organizers, sponsors, and the hundreds of thousands of fans planning to attend.

The details:

• Construction images from March, including those taken by RacingNews365's Nick Golding, raised concerns about progress, particularly around infrastructure like grandstands and amenities for 120,000 daily spectators.
• Abad dismissed the panic: "Rumours are rumours; every day, everywhere in the F1 paddock." He emphasized that the contract prevents a replacement race and that FIA and FOM are aligned on delivery.
• Asphalt laying is set to finish by the end of May. A key advantage: IFEMA's pre-existing convention center provides power, parking, metro access, WiFi, and toilets—facilities Abad calls "a fantasy" for most circuits.
• The main challenge has been synchronizing construction with IFEMA's ongoing exhibition business, but Abad insists the timeline is intact.

What's next:

With F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali having recently inspected the site, Abad says they are "covering the most important things without any special thoughts." The circuit must still pass FIA homologation tests, but the boss has "no doubts" the race will happen. If successful, Madrid will join the calendar as a modern, venue-integrated circuit, setting a new standard for temporary street tracks.