Explosive Formula 1 rumours are allegedly “fake news” – Reports suggest there are issues with the construction of the new Formula 1 track in Madrid. Officials in the Spanish capital responded to a media report on the matter, telling motorsport.com that the rumours circulating were “unbelievable”, “absurd” and “completely unfounded”, and referring to “fake news”.
The Italian portal ‘RMC Motori’ previously caused a stir in the Formula 1 scene with a report from the site. According to the report, the future pit building, which is set to house the Formula 1 teams and race control, is currently little more than a “swampy area”. There are significant delays on the construction site. Join the discussion below
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Madrid Mayor responds to rumours
The report caused such a stir that Madrid’s mayor, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, also addressed the issue at a press conference.
He said that the Spanish Grand Prix, scheduled to be held in Madrid for the first time in 2026, is now in jeopardy, and alternatives are already being sought. The politician said that he could not explain where the allegations had come from. Martínez-Almeida also emphasised that construction work was progressing faster than planned.
“There will be a Formula 1 race in Madrid on 12 September 2026,” the 50-year-old said.
“I don’t know where this news is coming from, but construction of the track is ahead of schedule and going well.”
“Despite some reservations and annoyance, Madrid will host a Grand Prix that will be among the best, if not the best,” Martinez-Almeida said.
‘The sponsors are on board and the track construction is progressing. So, I’m sorry, but on 12 September next year, Formula 1 will be racing in Madrid and it will be a complete success.” Join the discussion below
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Why did the ‘Fake News’ story appear?
Beyond the track itself, the swirling rumours almost certainly reveal a political game. It is thought that opposition figures within the Madrid council and rival factions have a vested interest in casting doubt on the project and portraying Madrid officials as unprepared or inefficient.
Sensational reports of delays or ‘swampy’ pit areas have certainly grabbed the headlines in recent days, putting pressure on the city’s leadership to defend its plans.
Meanwhile, the incumbent Catalan-based Barcelona track, which has historically hosted the Spanish Grand Prix, stands to benefit from doubts about Madrid’s readiness, while sponsors and investors are watching closely for any sign of mismanagement.
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Why F1 should be looking closely at Madrid
Successful Formula 1 events depend on smooth planning and reliable organisation, so political tensions surrounding the Madrid Grand Prix would certainly cause serious problems. Even if construction is on schedule, disagreements among the Spanish authorities do affect permits, safety approvals, funding or local infrastructure support.
Last-minute disputes or delays in decision-making will cause problems for teams, sponsors and race organisers, potentially affecting the event itself. In a sport where timing and coordination are paramount, behind-the-scenes political infighting can have serious consequences. What initially appears to be simple ‘fake news’ is most likely a strategic move in the complex web of Spanish political, economic and reputational issues.
The mayor’s office is firmly in the spotlight, and Formula 1 needs to keep a close eye on it.
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NEXT ARTICLE – Aston Martin CEO role for Horner
As the Formula One teams prepare for the Qatar Grand Prix, Aston Martin made a huge announcement which stunned the paddock. Andy Cowell who was promoted to the role of team principal and CEO for the 2025 season would be replaced by Adrian Newey next year.
Rumours of Cowell getting the sack gathered pace in Las Vegas given his protest at Adrian Newey’s dismissal of a number of staff from the team’s design department. This raised the elephant in the room as to who was actually in charge of the F1 team with Cowell believing his authority had been undermined.
Andy Cowell who is credited as the brains behind the all conquering Mercedes 2014 V6 hybrid power unit will be redeployed at Aston Martin to oversea the integration of the Honda power units along with other partnerships the team maintains.
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Billionaire team owner Lawrence Stroll issued a statement: “Andy Cowell has been a great leader this year. He’s focused on building a world-class team and getting them to work well together, as well as fostering a culture that puts the race car back at the heart of what we do.
“This leadership change is a mutual decision we have reached in the interest of the team. We all look forward to continuing working with him in his new capacity.”
Aston Martin have now had four team principals in four years in Otmar Szafnauer, Mike Krack, Andy Cowell and now Adrian Newey. The bombshell stunned many F1 analysts given that Newey is somewhat camera shy and avoids publicity at all costs.
Yet the role of the team principal is to deal with many media demands across and F1 weekend and to give impromptu live interviews for the many networks which broadcast Formula One… READ MORE
Thiago Treze is a Brazilian motorsport writer at TJ13 with a background in sports journalism and broadcast media, alongside an academic foundation in engineering with a focus on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). This combination of technical knowledge and editorial experience allows Thiago to approach Formula 1 from both a performance and narrative perspective.
At TJ13, Treze covers driver performance, career developments, and key storylines across the Formula 1 grid, while also analysing the technical factors that influence competitiveness. This includes aerodynamic development trends, simulation-driven design approaches, and the engineering decisions that shape race weekend outcomes.
His reporting bridges the gap between human performance and machine development, helping readers understand how driver execution and technical innovation interact in modern Formula 1. Coverage often connects on-track events with the underlying engineering philosophies that define each team’s approach.
With a global perspective shaped by both journalism and technical study, Thiago also focuses on Formula 1’s international reach and the different ways the sport is experienced across regions.
Treze has a particular interest in how Computational Fluid Dynamics and aerodynamic modelling contribute to car performance, offering accessible explanations of complex technical concepts within Formula 1.
