Imola has begun preparations for a possible 2026 Formula 1 season finale as uncertainty continues to surround the scheduled Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix. A final decision is not expected immediately because of the instability affecting the Gulf region, but the Enzo e Dino Ferrari circuit does not want to be caught unprepared for the championship’s closing weekend on 6 December, with Italy also potentially preparing to celebrate Kimi Antonelli as he fights for the Formula 1 world title.
For now, there is only one certainty: the 2026 F1 season will end on 6 December. Almost everything else remains unclear. The situation has become increasingly difficult to read as the scheduled conclusion to the 2026 Formula 1 calendar approaches.
Imola prepares for possible 2026 F1 finale
The promoters of the Qatar Grand Prix, scheduled for 29 November, and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix are continuing preparations for their respective events as though the geopolitical situation in the Gulf had stabilised. At the same time, tensions across the Middle East remain high and could increasingly affect Formula 1’s ability to operate safely in the region.
At least eight Iranian oil tankers have been struck in the Strait of Hormuz, while the crisis between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia has also intensified. Yemeni militants have hit an Italian Eurofighter with a drone at King Fahd Air Base in Ta’if, Saudi Arabia, where members of the Italian contingent involved in Operation Task Force Arabia are stationed as part of efforts to defend partner countries in the Middle East.
From a purely safety-based perspective, the logical outcome would be to cancel the final two races. Abu Dhabi, however, is particularly reluctant to surrender its position as the event that closes the Formula 1 season.
The result is a stalemate that is making the situation increasingly complicated. In the meantime, all Formula 1 teams are understood to have booked hotels around Imola for the weekend of 6 December, while preparations have started at the Enzo e Dino Ferrari circuit for what would become the Made in Italy and Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix.
Qatar and Abu Dhabi continue preparations as Formula 1 waits
No party currently appears willing to make the first move. The Gulf promoters maintain that their Grands Prix can take place in complete safety and therefore argue that Western concerns are not justified.
Liberty Media, on the other hand, cannot risk Formula 1 becoming involved, even indirectly, in an active conflict zone. Cancelling the Gulf races would also create another significant problem, because doing so could leave Formula 1 facing substantial contractual penalties owed to the respective promoters.
A delicate waiting game is therefore under way. Around the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, it appeared that a deadline for a decision was approaching. Instead, the process is now expected to continue into the opening days of October, in the hope that events themselves might untangle the situation without requiring a direct confrontation between the parties involved.
Insurance and airspace restrictions could affect F1 teams
ScuderiaFans.com understands that some manufacturers, not only in Formula 1 but also in MotoGP, have already told — or are preparing to tell — their teams not to travel into areas considered at risk. One concern is that essential insurance cover may no longer be available for personnel travelling abroad or for equipment being transported into those regions.
According to the latest indications, some brands may also have introduced restrictions preventing flights from crossing airspace regarded as unsafe. That would make team logistics considerably more complicated and create additional costs that were certainly not included in budgets at the start of the season.
Again, nobody appears willing to take the first step that would break the deadlock, meaning time itself could become an important factor in determining the outcome. There are also hopes in some quarters that government intervention could ultimately force the issue.
The UK Foreign Office, for example, could prevent British citizens from travelling to certain destinations if their safety could not be guaranteed. With the majority of Formula 1 teams based in Britain, such a restriction would effectively create an immediate obstacle for the entire paddock.
December date creates major organisational challenges for Imola
Imola, however, does not have the luxury of waiting. The Enzo e Dino Ferrari circuit has already activated its organisational operation because staging a Grand Prix at the beginning of December would impose significant limitations.
Grandstand capacity, for example, could not match last year’s record level. In certain areas of the circuit, temporary stands could not be installed because of unstable ground conditions at that time of year.
A new parking plan is also being studied to avoid leaving spectators’ vehicles in potentially muddy areas. The intention would be to place all vehicles on paved surfaces, with shuttle services then connecting parking facilities to the paddock and grandstands. Fans interested in the venue’s previous races and records can also explore the F1 Circuit Records & Statistics section.
Kimi Antonelli title fight adds significance to possible Imola finale
ACI Italia would act as promoter for an event that could potentially see Kimi Antonelli claim his first Formula 1 world championship with Mercedes on home soil. The Italian driver remains firmly involved in the title fight, adding another major dimension to the possibility of the season ending at Imola. The developing championship permutations can be followed with the F1 Championship Points Calculator.
Geronimo La Russa, working together with Imola mayor Marco Panieri and the local authorities, would aim to ensure that Formula Imola can manage what could become the most complicated Grand Prix of the year.
Kimi Antonelli’s performances have already generated significant interest in Italy during the 2026 season, particularly after his latest victories and growing collection of Formula 1 records. His progress during the championship can also be explored in the latest analysis of Kimi Antonelli’s 2026 achievements.
Imola race would not be renamed Qatar or Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
The idea of renaming an Imola event as either the Qatar Grand Prix or Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has now been dropped. It would therefore not replicate the solution Stefano Domenicali managed by moving the Bahrain Grand Prix to Sepang in Malaysia for 4 October.
One possibility that has not been ruled out is transferring the main sponsor — potentially Etihad — from one of the two Gulf promoters to the Imola event. That would still provide visibility for a company that had already committed to an agreement connected with one of the scheduled races.
The picture remains extremely complex, with numerous commercial, logistical and political considerations making every negotiation difficult. The situation can also change quickly depending on developments in the region.
For that reason, while Qatar and Abu Dhabi continue preparing for their scheduled Grands Prix, Imola has little choice but to make sure everything is ready in case Formula 1 makes the call.
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