Circuit Lewis Hamilton once called ‘terrifying’ now hoping to return to F1 in 2026 if Madrid Grand Prix falls through

The 2026 Formula 1 schedule has now been confirmed and there are a couple of prominent changes compared to this year’s calendar.

For the very first time, the Madrid Grand Prix is set to appear on the Formula 1 calendar and will mean Spain hosts two races next year.

Barcelona’s future is far from certain beyond 2026 although Fernando Alonso has just been made an ambassador of the Circuit de Catalunya and is confident it will be a regular haunt for the sport for years to come.

The Monaco Grand Prix has given up its iconic spot on the calendar to become the first race in the European leg of the season, which means it will no longer run on the same day as the Indy 500.

That honour instead falls to the Canadian Grand Prix although some fans are concerned about both races being in the same time zone.

However, there are doubts over the Madrid Grand Prix being held next year with work on the circuit facing delays in its preparations.

Plenty of circuits are clamouring to join the F1 calendar, with Thailand appearing to be the latest country set to host a race in the future.

However, journalist Kemal Sengul believes one track which F1 hasn’t visited since 2021 is hoping to return to the calendar if Madrid can’t fulfil its obligations.

READ MORE: Worried F1 fans predict ‘safety car galore’ after seeing first-ever Madrid Grand Prix lap

Turkish Grand Prix has ‘hope’ to replace Madrid Grand Prix in 2026 if circuit isn’t ready

Sengul was writing on X and explaining the situation at the Turkish Grand Prix, he said: “Apart from F1, work has begun to bring DTM and other series to the country.

“The hope for the 2026 F1 calendar continues depending on the situation in Madrid.

“But if not, there is a long-term plan to enter the calendar for the future. So it will not be a project for a few years.”

F1 believes the Madrid Grand Prix will be ready but will also know that a contingency plan is needed in case things fall through.

Tiff Needell wasn’t impressed with one aspect of the ‘Madring’ after seeing it for the first time.

Some fans will remain unconvinced that Formula 1 needs another street circuit considering the lack of action in Monaco in recent years.

However, the Turkish Grand Prix has received mixed reviews in the past, particularly from seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.

READ MORE: What Sebastian Vettel was once banned from doing after winning 2011 Turkish Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton called the Turkish Grand Prix ‘terrifying’ before losing its spot in Formula 1

Formula 1 raced in Turkey between 2005 and 2011 before returning for a two-year stint in 2020 during Covid.

Felipe Massa holds the record for most victories at the track – three – while Valtteri Bottas is the latest driver to win at Istanbul Park.

Hamilton spoke, via Motorsport, after practice for the 2020 Turkish Grand Prix when the circuit had been resurfaced and explained: “This track is such a fantastic circuit, and I really don’t fully understand when they spend millions to redo a surface of a track.

“I know it had been around for a long time, but they probably could have just cleaned it maybe instead of wasting all the money. Now the track is worse than Portimao was when we had the brand new surface there.

“The tyres aren’t working, and you see it. It’s like an ice rink out there. You don’t get quite the enjoyment of the lap as you would normally get of Istanbul, and I don’t see that changing.

“It’s terrifying the whole way around. It’s almost like there’s wet patches all over, so as you’re on the slicks, you’re accelerating, and it goes so fast.”

Even if Turkey doesn’t act as a last-minute replacement for Madrid next season, the circuit is desperate to return to Formula 1 sooner rather than later.

It could make more sense for the track to end up in the rotation of circuits alongside Spa that will appear semi-regularly going forward.