{"id":595732,"date":"2026-04-09T13:31:10","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T13:31:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/595732\/"},"modified":"2026-04-09T13:31:10","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T13:31:10","slug":"madrid-insists-f1-project-on-schedule-despite-criticism","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/595732\/","title":{"rendered":"Madrid insists F1 project on schedule despite criticism"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"date\">APRIL  9, 2026<\/p>\n<p>Madrid&#8217;s new Formula 1 circuit remains on track for its September debut despite new reports suggesting construction is lagging behind schedule.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.grandprix.com\/display\/photo?photo_caption=Lando+Norris%2C+Spanish+GP+2025&amp;photo_copyright=%C2%A9+McLaren&amp;photo_url=https%3A%2F%2Fphotos.grandprix.com%2Fjpeg%2Fraces%2Fpspa25%2Ffri%2Fmcl%2Fnorris14-lg.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/norris14-rd.jpg\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Lando Norris, Spanish GP 2025<br \/>\u00a9 McLaren<\/p>\n<p>Earlier this week, The Sun cited social media images showing a site resembling a sand pit more than a racing track, fuelling doubts about progress at the IFEMA-based venue.<\/p>\n<p>But project chief Luis Garcia Abad has pushed back strongly, insisting work is advancing as planned.<\/p>\n<p>The first layer of asphalt has already been laid up to turn 19, and practically everything has been concreted, he told AS.<\/p>\n<p>We&#8217;re on schedule. Time has never been a major concern for us &#8211; the construction companies are working at a steady pace and meeting their commitments to finish the project by May 30th.<\/p>\n<p>Garcia Abad said the next phase &#8211; including final asphalt, kerbs, pit buildings and grandstands &#8211; will begin in June.<\/p>\n<p>He also highlighted what he believes will make the Madrid race unique on the calendar.<\/p>\n<p>F1 doesn&#8217;t know Madrid, and now that we&#8217;re bringing it here, they can&#8217;t imagine what Madrid can offer F1, he said.<\/p>\n<p>The circuit itself will feature several standout elements, including a heavily banked corner dubbed La Monumental, which organisers hope will become an iconic feature of the championship.<\/p>\n<p>It will be an icon of the championship, communications director Nira Juanco said. When you see an image on television, you&#8217;ll immediately know it&#8217;s Madrid.<\/p>\n<p>Madrid&#8217;s long-term Spanish GP contract is in place through 2035.<\/p>\n<p>(GMM)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"APRIL 9, 2026 Madrid&#8217;s new Formula 1 circuit remains on track for its September debut despite new 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