Formula 1 is searching for its center of gravity. While attention is currently focused on the Japanese Grand Prix, which next weekend will host the third round of the season with the new agile cars that have sparked debate following the latest regulatory revolution, the Circus is also on high alert due to the serious consequences that the war involving the United States and Israel against Iran could have on the 2026 calendar.
If the conflict, which has already forced the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix, reducing the calendar to 22 races instead of the planned 24, were to continue, other events could also be at risk. And not only those in the Middle East, such as Qatar and Abu Dhabi. Concerns also extend to Azerbaijan, which has been affected by Iranian missile strikes.
After Suzuka, Formula 1 will have the opportunity to reflect for a month. In April, engines will remain silent due to the gap created by the absence of Sakhir and Jeddah, offering a chance to calmly evaluate potential changes to regulations that have not been well received by some drivers—particularly Max Verstappen—and a portion of the fanbase.
Time could also play in favor of a resolution to the Middle East conflict, although there are fears that it may last longer than the optimistic predictions made by Donald Trump. As a result, the Circus has begun exploring alternative options, looking for organizers willing to step in for races that are currently under threat due to the ongoing hostilities.
At the moment, nothing has been officially decided, but it is no secret that discussions have resumed regarding the possible inclusion of Imola and Portimao. Formula 1’s promoter, Liberty Media, must guarantee a calendar of at least 20 races in order to fulfill its commercial agreements with television rights holders.
During the 4th Happy BirthAyrton event, organized at the Enzo e Dino Ferrari circuit on Saturday evening by the Tifoseria Ayrton Senna Italia, Motorsport.com had the opportunity to meet the Mayor of Imola, Marco Panieri. He made it clear that the city does not intend to exploit the conflict in hopes of returning to the Grand Prix calendar.
“At this moment,” admitted Panieri, “I believe it is more sensible to hope that the conflict comes to an end rather than to wish for a Grand Prix in the 2026 calendar. We have adopted a conscious and responsible approach. We are not making any moves and prefer to wait.”
Imola has therefore not initiated contact with Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, because it does not want to speculate on the war. The circuit continues to undergo updates in preparation for hosting the World Endurance Championship on April 19, which will serve as the opening round of the endurance season.
At the same time, there remains a clear willingness to support Formula 1 if needed, just as the circuit did during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it stepped in to help the championship maintain a viable calendar under extraordinary circumstances.
The Enzo e Dino Ferrari circuit would be fully capable of organizing a Grand Prix that meets Formula 1 standards, and it appears that securing the necessary financial resources to host the event would not be an impossible task. However, Imola prefers to wait rather than take advantage of a global crisis.
It is a responsible stance—one that deserves recognition and respect in a sport increasingly shaped by both sporting and geopolitical dynamics.
Leave a Reply