Lewis Hamilton has expressed concerns about the increasingly likely prospect of Imola hosting the finale of the 2026 Formula 1 season, questioning both the winter weather conditions and the circuit’s limited overtaking opportunities. Speaking in Baku ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the Ferrari driver made clear that his preference would be for Formula 1 to complete its planned Middle Eastern rounds if circumstances allow.
With less than three months remaining in the championship, Formula 1 still faces uncertainty over how the closing stages of the 2026 F1 calendar will unfold. The original plan is to finish the season in the Middle East, but Imola has emerged as a possible alternative amid continuing geopolitical tensions in the region.
Lewis Hamilton sceptical about Imola as 2026 F1 season finale
The geopolitical situation following the United States’ attack on Iran forced Formula 1 to cancel the Saudi Arabian and Bahrain Grands Prix on their original dates earlier in the season and has also created serious uncertainty over the scheduled races at Lusail and Abu Dhabi.
Liberty Media has continued working to preserve as much of the planned calendar as possible, but Formula 1 cannot delay its final decision indefinitely, even as the Yas Marina promoters continue selling tickets for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Imola has consequently emerged as one of the most likely contingency options for the championship finale.
Such a solution would bring Formula 1 back to the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, although conditions in late November or early December would be very different from the circuit’s traditional place on the calendar. Temperatures around the Santerno venue are unlikely to be particularly favourable at that time of year, one of the issues that concerns Lewis Hamilton.
Hamilton hopes Formula 1 can return to the Middle East
Lewis Hamilton said he would prefer Formula 1 to complete the season in the Middle East, despite the significant uncertainty surrounding Qatar and Abu Dhabi. The seven-time world champion stressed, however, that he does not have access to all the information required to assess the security situation.
“Personally, I would like to go. I love racing in the Middle East. From what I have read, it seems to me that the situation there is calm. However, I don’t have all the information, so I don’t know what the risk levels are. I trust Stefano Domenicali and I believe he will make the right decision for the sport.”
Lewis Hamilton made the comments while in Azerbaijan for the Baku weekend, with the complete timetable available in the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix schedule.
Why Hamilton has doubts about a winter race at Imola
Lewis Hamilton’s reservations about Imola are based on two main factors: the weather conditions expected at the end of the year and the difficulty of overtaking at the Italian circuit.
“Finishing the season in winter at Imola might not be ideal from a weather point of view,” Lewis Hamilton added. “It is a beautiful circuit, but it is not a track where we will be able to overtake. And for me, the more races there are, the better.”
The Ferrari driver therefore remains in favour of preserving as much of the existing schedule as possible rather than replacing the Middle Eastern finale with a late-season event at Imola. Fans can follow further comments and updates from the seven-time world champion in the Lewis Hamilton Ferrari news section.
F1 decision on 2026 season finale expected soon
An official announcement regarding the final part of the season is expected within the next two to three weeks. Under the scenario currently being considered, the championship would likely end up with 22 Grands Prix rather than the 24 originally planned.
Until Formula 1 confirms its decision, however, the location of the 2026 season finale remains unresolved. Lewis Hamilton’s position is clear: if the security situation permits it, he would rather see the championship retain its Middle Eastern conclusion than finish the year in winter conditions at Imola.
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