Imola will not host the final race of the 2026 Formula 1 season, ending hopes of bringing the championship finale to Italy. The Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix remain on the calendar following an update from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, although uncertainty surrounding the security situation in the Middle East means neither event is entirely guaranteed.
The decision, which emerged early this afternoon after several days of growing speculation, brings an end to Imola’s ambitions of staging the season finale. The Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari had been the leading candidate to replace Abu Dhabi, potentially providing an Italian setting for the conclusion of a championship already won by Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
Imola loses its chance to host the 2026 F1 season finale
For several days, the possibility of Imola hosting the final Grand Prix of the year had been fading. The Italian circuit had emerged as the principal alternative to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, offering Formula 1 the opportunity to conclude its 2026 campaign in Emilia-Romagna.
It would also have provided a fitting stage for Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the newly crowned Formula 1 world champion, to celebrate his historic achievement on home soil.
An announcement concerning a possible replacement for Abu Dhabi had been expected for weeks. However, the deadline was repeatedly postponed as the Abu Dhabi organisers made every effort to retain their opportunity to stage the race.
The outcome follows a period of uncertainty surrounding the deadline for deciding Imola’s role as a potential replacement venue.
FIA president confirms preparations for Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the FIA, addressed the situation in a post published on Instagram, confirming that preparations are continuing for the final two rounds of the championship.
“We are ready to hold the Qatar and Abu Dhabi events,” Mohammed Ben Sulayem wrote. “We are fully committed and prepared to deliver two great weekends and a spectacular conclusion to the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship.”
“We look forward to welcoming the drivers, teams and fans to these two iconic circuits for an unforgettable season finale. See you on the grid,” the FIA president concluded.
The announcement means that both events remain part of the 2026 Formula 1 calendar, while Imola is no longer being considered as the venue for the championship’s final race.
Qatar MotoGP race strengthens hopes for Formula 1 at Lusail
The successful staging of the Qatar MotoGP Grand Prix may have delivered the decisive blow to Imola’s hopes. The motorcycle racing event at Lusail took place without problems, and the positive reports from the circuit are likely to provide reassurance to the organisers of the Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Although the situation in the Middle East remains critical, the security concerns did not prevent the third-to-last round of the MotoGP World Championship from taking place at Lusail.
Another factor is the wider geopolitical situation. Despite Donald Trump’s decisive defeat in the United States midterm elections, the American president has not, at least so far, decided to intensify military attacks in the Middle East.
These developments have helped preserve the possibility of holding both remaining Formula 1 races in the region, even though the situation continues to require close attention.
Why the Qatar and Abu Dhabi F1 races are still not completely safe
For now, the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix remain scheduled and are expected to take place. However, the decision to abandon the Imola alternative does not mean that either race is completely secure.
Both events could still be cancelled if the military situation in the Middle East deteriorates.
According to information obtained by Motorsport.com, the decisive period will run from now until the Las Vegas Grand Prix, which is scheduled to take place in Nevada in just under two weeks. If there are no significant developments affecting Qatar or Abu Dhabi during that period, the two events are expected to go ahead.
The championship is therefore continuing towards its planned conclusion, with Qatar and Abu Dhabi retaining their places on the calendar. Nevertheless, the uncertainty surrounding the final two rounds has not entirely disappeared, even as Imola’s hopes of hosting the 2026 Formula 1 season finale come to an end.
Leave a Reply