Imola has emerged as the Automobile Club d’Italia’s preferred venue for a possible second Formula 1 race in Italy during the 2026 season, with ACI preparing for further calendar changes should the international situation require them. President Geronimo La Russa confirmed that the organisation is working alongside government and sporting authorities so that Italy would be ready to host another Grand Prix if an opportunity becomes available.
La Russa addressed the possibility on August 25 during the Rimini Meeting, where he took part in an event focused on major infrastructure, railways and mobility. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Matteo Salvini was also in attendance. While the approaching Italian Grand Prix at Monza remained an important part of the discussion, the prospect of an Imola Formula 1 return in 2026 provided the most significant calendar development.
Monza expected to deliver a major Italian Grand Prix crowd
Before discussing Imola, La Russa looked ahead to the upcoming 2026 Italian Grand Prix at Monza, where ACI is expecting an exceptionally strong attendance. He indicated that the objective was a complete sell-out and described the weekend as an important celebration for Italian motorsport, with particular attention expected to fall on Ferrari and Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
Ferrari will naturally be one of the main attractions for the home supporters, with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc representing the Maranello team in front of the tifosi. La Russa also placed particular emphasis on Antonelli, urging those present at the Rimini event to applaud the young Italian driver, who celebrates his 20th birthday on August 25.
Imola F1 return in 2026 considered as calendar contingency
The ACI president then turned to the possibility of Italy staging another Formula 1 event later in the current championship. La Russa explained that the complicated international situation in the Middle East had prompted ACI to cooperate with government institutions and sporting authorities so that the country would be prepared if another adjustment to the 2026 schedule became necessary.
The championship has already experienced calendar changes this season, making contingency planning particularly relevant. The latest structure of the season can be followed through the complete 2026 Formula 1 calendar.
According to La Russa, the intention is to have the organisational framework in place to stage a second race in Italy during the remaining months of the 2026 championship should Formula 1 require an alternative venue. No additional Italian event is currently confirmed, meaning the proposal remains dependent on how the calendar develops.
ACI sees Imola as the ideal solution
If a vacancy does emerge, ACI has already identified the Enzo e Dino Ferrari Circuit at Imola as its preferred option. La Russa presented the Emilia-Romagna venue as the ideal solution and highlighted its proximity to the area where the Rimini Meeting was being held.
The comments strengthen the possibility of Imola returning to the Formula 1 World Championship during 2026 if circumstances create an available slot. For now, however, ACI’s position is one of preparation rather than confirmation: Monza remains Italy’s scheduled Grand Prix, while Imola is being positioned as a ready alternative should Formula 1 need to modify the championship calendar again.
That approach would allow Italian organisers to respond quickly if the international situation forces further changes, while potentially giving Imola an unexpected route back onto the Formula 1 schedule before the end of the season.
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