The newest venue to join F1’s calendar is nearing completion as the final layer of asphalt was applied this week to the Sochi Autodrom in Russia.
50 workers operating 15 asphalt machines worked round the clock non-stop under the supervision of track architects Tilke GmbH to get to where they are now, with completion just 70 days ahead of the inaugural race.
The material has been specially developed for the Sochi Autodrom by Hart Consult International to take into account the local climate which drops to an average of 1ºC in the winter before climbing to an average peak of 30ºC in the summer.
The surface is designed to retain its grippy surface for four year, before it will likely need resurfacing.
![Isack Hadjar [pictured] has deferred to Max Verstappen for Day 2 of the F1 pre-season test. Image: Red Bull Content Pool](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Isack-Hadjar-Red-Bull-test-2026-120x86.webp)
![Isack Hadjar [pictured] has deferred to Max Verstappen for Day 2 of the F1 pre-season test. Image: Red Bull Content Pool](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Isack-Hadjar-Red-Bull-test-2026-350x250.webp)
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