How F1 feels about the 2026 Madrid Grand Prix amid ‘doubts’ and which race will be ‘next’ to join the calendar

The Formula 1 calendar has been a point of contention in the paddock for some time now.

This year’s Formula 1 schedule has been brutal, with only three weekends off between the first nine races.

It’s seen teams race on four different continents and tens of thousands of kilometres covered to keep the show on the road.

Max Verstappen previously warned drivers would get sick due to the schedule, but they generally travel in much more luxurious settings than the thousands of crew members who are essential to each car getting on the grid.

Formula 1’s Concorde Agreement currently allows for 25 Grand Prix in a season and there are plenty of venues fighting to join the calendar.

The Madrid Grand Prix has won that race and should be making its debut in 2026.

Simulations showing the Madrid street circuit have raised concerns about its layout, while another race on the other side of the world appears to be closing in on the final spot in the schedule.

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

Madrid Grand Prix ‘doubts’ analysed as Thailand closes in on first-ever Formula 1 race

Journalist Jon Noble was asked on The Race F1 Podcast what the chances are of Barcelona remaining on the F1 calendar beyond 2026 and answered: “From what I understand, the 2026 calendar is imminent. We should be getting some news on that quite soon.

“I think Barcelona will remain a part [of the calendar] for next season. So we’ll have two races in Spain.

“There have been some doubts about Madrid, is the construction going to be ready?

“From all I’ve been told, F1 is pretty happy with where things are at and it will be sorted. I think the key thing is what happens [in] 2027 and beyond.

“Does F1 want two races in Spain on the calendar? I think they’re deciding where Thailand slots in because that’s I think going to be the next one, the new addition, whether that’s 2027 or 2028.

“One of the races is going to have to make way. There has been some talk this weekend that Barcelona may be more interested in digging into its pockets and getting a deal across the line to keep itself on the calendar.

“It’s got Fernando Alonso as an ambassador. He’ll be pulling a few political strings and having a word in the ear of Stefano Domenicali.”

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Which races are at risk of being dropped from the Formula 1 calendar?

Next season’s calendar is likely to see at least one more change to the schedule alongside Madrid’s debut.

Imola is at serious risk of being dropped despite an interesting race this year capped off by a brilliant move by Verstappen on Oscar Piastri on the opening lap.

The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix could enter the rotation of races that’s set to start soon, alongside Spa which will no longer be a permanent F1 venue.

Zandvoort has already announced that 2026 will be the final race held at the circuit despite the interest generated by Verstappen in his home country.

The only other circuit yet to be confirmed for next season is the Las Vegas Grand Prix, although given the event has been heavily backed by Formula 1, it’s unlikely to disappear after just a handful of races.