Imola could return to Formula 1 if further changes are required to the 2026 calendar, with Giancarlo Minardi identifying the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari as one of the few genuinely viable European contingency options. Geopolitical tensions affecting the Middle East continue to create uncertainty around the closing stages of the 2026 World Championship, making the possibility of further calendar adjustments increasingly concrete.
The Italian circuit has already been discussed as a potential solution during periods of calendar uncertainty, with Imola previously linked with a possible 2026 F1 return. In an exclusive interview with NewsF1, Giancarlo Minardi explained why the historic venue represents one of the few realistic alternatives if Liberty Media is forced to replace one or more Grands Prix.
Giancarlo Minardi: “Imola has already shown it can help Formula 1”
Giancarlo Minardi pointed to the circuit’s proven ability to respond when Formula 1 has faced difficult circumstances in the past.
“Imola could probably be able to meet this need, and it would not be the first time it has come to Formula 1’s rescue.”
The Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari has already demonstrated that flexibility. Imola returned to the Formula 1 calendar in 2020 during a heavily disrupted season, giving the venue recent experience of preparing for a Grand Prix under unusual circumstances.
According to Giancarlo Minardi, Europe now represents the only genuine alternative if some of the championship’s remaining events outside the continent cannot take place.
“I believe that, at this moment, only Europe could potentially guarantee Formula 1 the possibility of completing the championship with all the scheduled races.”
Bahrain Grand Prix move to Sepang changes the picture
One of the most interesting elements highlighted by Giancarlo Minardi is an unprecedented development involving the Bahrain Grand Prix.
The former Minardi team principal noted that the Bahrain Grand Prix can be held in Malaysia at the Sepang International Circuit while still retaining the Bahrain Grand Prix designation.
That possibility demonstrates how, when particular circumstances require it, Liberty Media can find unusual solutions while continuing to respect existing commercial agreements. It also provides an important precedent when considering how Formula 1 could respond if further changes become necessary later in the 2026 season.
Organising an F1 Grand Prix requires time
Giancarlo Minardi nevertheless urged caution over the timescale involved. Waiting until the middle of September to announce possible replacement races could make the organisers’ task significantly more difficult.
“When I hear that a decision will be made in mid-September, the timeframe seems very short to me for organising a Grand Prix in the best possible way.”
A Formula 1 event requires months of preparation. Logistics, security, temporary infrastructure, staffing and the management of hundreds of thousands of spectators all have to be coordinated, meaning that even a circuit with extensive Grand Prix experience cannot simply organise an event overnight.
Imola remains ready, but the decision rests with Liberty Media
Giancarlo Minardi’s comments reinforce Imola’s position as one of the most credible options should Formula 1 need to modify its 2026 calendar in the coming weeks.
The Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari has demonstrated in recent years that it can organise major events within relatively short timeframes, while its existing facilities and organisational experience offer Formula 1 a proven solution.
The question now is whether Liberty Media will actually be forced to intervene again or whether the 2026 World Championship will be able to complete all of its planned remaining events without further changes. In the meantime, Imola’s availability continues to provide Formula 1 with a credible safety net should another replacement venue be required.
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