Loading
Formula 1 may be preparing for an extraordinary solution to the uncertainty surrounding the final races of the 2026 season, with Imola reportedly emerging as a possible replacement venue for the Qatar or Abu Dhabi Grands Prix.
The continuing conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States has cast doubt on both events in the Gulf. Qatar is scheduled for 29 November, followed by Abu Dhabi on 6 December, but instability in the region has created a narrowing window for Formula 1 to decide whether those races can proceed.
A decision is expected by 15 September, between the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid and the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. With time running short, Stefano Domenicali is understood to be working on contingency plans that would preserve the 22-race calendar.
The proposed solution would move the Qatar event, or potentially Abu Dhabiâs race, to the Enzo e Dino Ferrari circuit in Imola. That would give Italy a second world championship race and return Formula 1 to a venue that lost its event in 2023 after floods devastated the surrounding region.
The idea would follow the same broad principle as the planned relocation of the Bahrain Grand Prix to Sepang in Malaysia on 4 October. Under the reported Imola proposal, Qatar would provide the budget and retain responsibility for the promotional campaign, while the Automobile Club of Italy and Formula Imola would oversee the eventâs operation. Sponsor income and ticket revenues would go to the Middle Eastern promoter, with Imola reimbursed for its organisational costs.
The arrangement could satisfy several competing interests. Qatar would keep its place on the calendar, Liberty Media would avoid reducing the season below 22 events, and Imola would host a major race without funding the entire operation itself. The teams have reportedly made provisional hotel bookings in the area, adding weight to the possibility, although no official announcement has been made.
The principal concern is the timing. Late-November conditions in Emilia-Romagna could bring fog dense enough to prevent safety helicopters from flying, potentially halting track activity. With daylight also becoming limited, qualifying and the race would likely need to start earlier if the event moved to Imola.
The uncertainty adds another layer to a title fight involving Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli and Ferrari. Antonelliâs position at the centre of the championship battle has already made every late-season development significant, as highlighted in recent coverage of Mercedesâ Dutch Grand Prix podium strategy.
For now, the Imola project remains unofficial. The preferred outcome is reportedly a definitive resolution to the conflict, but if the Gulf races cannot go ahead, the Italian circuit could provide Formula 1 with a dramatic and unexpected championship finale.
Heâs a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.