F1 place circuit Lewis Hamilton loves at the ‘top’ of their list if the 2026 Madrid GP is cancelled

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Since the Madrid Grand Prix was confirmed to be joining the Formula 1 calendar in 2026, it has been plagued with several problems, with constant rumours about it being cancelled.

The Spanish Grand Prix has been hosted at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona since 1991. But in 2026, the race will move to an all-new street circuit in the country’s capital.

Barcelona still has a contract with F1 until 2026, meaning that there will be two races in Spain next season, as per F1’s official calendar. However, there are serious doubts that the Madrid Grand Prix will go ahead.

The circuit has been met with widespread criticism ever since it was announced. Fans have raised safety concerns about the ‘Madring’, as they fear that there could be a pile-up at the opening corner.

There are even doubts that the circuit will be built in time to host a race in 2026. These worries are becoming more serious as the months go by, as F1 now starts to explore alternatives.

F1 place Imola at the ‘top’ of their list if they cancel the 2026 Madrid Grand Prix

The race is set to be held in September next year, with F1 saying that they were ‘very happy’ with Madrid’s progress with construction a few months ago. However, according to a report from F1-Insider, several people within the paddock are worried that the circuit will not be ready by then.

Spanish media recently visited the track and found it to be nowhere near completion. It seems that F1 have the same fear, with the report saying that the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix ‘could surprisingly return to the Formula 1 calendar in 2026’.

The race, held at the famous Imola circuit, is set to drop off the calendar next year in favour of the Madrid GP. A possible return ‘was considered off the table’ after it was taken off the schedule, but now rumours are suggesting that it could host a race in 2026.

The delays in Madrid are ‘said to be so significant’ that F1 owners Liberty Media ‘have apparently already activated its ‘reserve list’ for 2026, and Imola is ‘at the top’ of said list. The famous Italian circuit could be set for a dramatic return.

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Lewis Hamilton labelled Imola as an ‘incredible’ circuit after it returned to F1 in 2020

The Emilia-Romagna GP has a long history in F1. Previously known as the San Marino Grand Prix, it hosted races from 1981 to 2006, before returning to the calendar in 2020 under its current name after COVID-19 disrupted the season.

Speaking via ESPN after that race, Lewis Hamilton expressed how much he loved the Imola circuit, seeing it as one of the greats of the sport. He would certainly be happy with the track returning in 2026, especially as it would be another home race for the Ferrari driver.

“This track is incredible — it’s unbelievable how fast it is around this track. I think for a single lap it’s going to be incredible,” he said.

“They don’t build tracks like this anymore. I don’t know why the new guys can’t build a track like this. I mean, it’s just a classic: It’s got the history, which helps.”

Imola is not the only Hamilton favourite that is looking to get back onto the calendar. The Turkish Grand Prix is pushing for a return to F1 and could be another option to replace the Madrid GP.