Imola is moving ahead with preparations to host the final race of the 2026 Formula 1 season if circumstances in the Middle East prevent the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix from taking place. The contingency plan remains active even though the events at Lusail and Yas Marina continue to represent Formula 1’s preferred scenario.
Liberty Media has given the go-ahead for the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari to prepare for the possibility of staging the championship finale. The economic stakes are substantial: estimates cited by Planet F1 put the potential revenue associated with the Qatar-Abu Dhabi double-header at around $180 million, considerably more than a replacement event at Imola could generate.
Imola prepares for possible 2026 F1 season finale
Formula 1 continues to regard travelling to the Gulf for both scheduled races as the most likely outcome. Imola, however, is already preparing for the weekend of 6 December, with work ranging from grandstand arrangements and hotel reservations to the logistical organisation required to accommodate the Formula 1 paddock.
As previously reported by ScuderiaFans, a 12pm race start has already been established for a potential Imola event specifically to avoid holding the Grand Prix too close to sunset. The contingency therefore goes beyond a theoretical alternative, with practical preparations being made in case Formula 1 needs to activate it.
The championship’s current schedule and remaining rounds can be followed through the 2026 Formula 1 calendar.
The leading Plan B so far would see the championship conclude with a single replacement race at Imola if both Qatar and Abu Dhabi were cancelled. According to Planet F1, however, another option is also under consideration.
Under this Plan C, Formula 1 would race in Qatar as scheduled before returning to Europe if conditions subsequently made it impossible to stage the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Qatar and Abu Dhabi could represent $180 million in potential F1 revenue
There is inevitably a significant financial dimension behind Formula 1’s preference to retain both Gulf events. According to estimates reported by Planet F1, the promoter fees from the two Grands Prix are worth approximately $113 million combined, comprising $49 million from Abu Dhabi and as much as $64 million from Qatar.
Once other commercial activities connected with the events are included, the estimated total potential revenue associated with the two-race sequence rises to approximately $180 million.
A replacement Grand Prix at Imola would operate on a very different financial scale. Between its organisational fee and additional revenues, such an event could generate a maximum of around $25 million.
These figures are estimates of the revenues associated with the two different scenarios. The gap between them should not automatically be interpreted as a net financial loss, as Formula 1 would also face different costs and contractual arrangements depending on which option was ultimately implemented.
Why Formula 1 still wants to retain Qatar and Abu Dhabi
Nevertheless, the financial incentive for Formula 1 to preserve both Qatar and Abu Dhabi is clear, particularly following the cancellation of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and the relocation of the Bahrain Grand Prix to Malaysia.
The final decision, however, will depend on the security situation. Those conditions are being assessed by an internal Formula One Management working group in cooperation with the British Foreign Office and with direct assistance from Middle Eastern heads of state.
Any decision affecting the final rounds would also reshape the closing stages of the championship. Fans can explore the mathematical implications of different remaining-race scenarios with the F1 Championship Points Calculator.
Imola must be ready if Formula 1 activates its backup plan
While Formula 1 continues to work towards holding the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races, Imola’s responsibility is to ensure it can step in if required. The circuit has been given a guarantee that FOM will cover the costs incurred if preparations are made but the replacement race ultimately does not take place.
That is also why Imola mayor Marco Panieri is in Baku, where discussions are continuing over the various possibilities currently under consideration.
For now, Qatar and Abu Dhabi remain Formula 1’s preferred route to completing the 2026 season. Imola, however, is no longer simply waiting on the sidelines: preparations are under way so that the Italian circuit can host the championship finale should developments in the Middle East force Formula 1 to change course.
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