Why Imola is unlikely to return as F1 evaluates Bahrain and Saudi Arabia situation. Formula 1 is close to deciding the fate of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix.

Formula 1 is approaching a crucial decision regarding the future of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix as the ongoing crisis in the Middle East continues to create uncertainty. With the championship expected to travel to the region in just over a month, the sport’s leadership is carefully evaluating the possible scenarios and contingency plans.

While the situation in the region remains fluid, the Formula 1 paddock is already considering the potential implications for the calendar. The championship would normally head to the Gulf for two key rounds of the season, but the current geopolitical tensions mean that organizers and governing bodies must be prepared for alternative solutions should the situation deteriorate.

The possible return of Imola to the 2026 F1 calendar

In recent days, speculation has grown regarding the potential return of circuits such as Imola and Portimão to the Formula 1 calendar for the 2026 season. However, according to information gathered by F1inGenerale, this scenario currently appears highly unlikely.

Liberty Media, the commercial rights holder of Formula 1, has not contacted either the Italian organizers of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola or the promoters of the Portuguese Grand Prix at Portimão. This lack of communication suggests that the championship is not actively pursuing those venues as immediate replacements.

As also reported by Sky Sports, if the two Gulf events were ultimately cancelled, the most probable outcome would be that the races would not be replaced at all. In that case, the newly started season would simply be reduced to twenty-two Grands Prix rather than attempting a complex reshuffle of the schedule.

There are several reasons behind this potential decision by Formula 1 and Liberty Media. One of the main challenges concerns the logistical and organizational difficulties involved in relocating races to Europe on short notice. Hosting a Formula 1 event requires extensive preparation from the circuits, including infrastructure adjustments and safety inspections, all of which require significant lead time.

Another major factor involves tyre supplier Pirelli. The Italian manufacturer plans well in advance which tyre compounds will be brought to each Grand Prix weekend, making last-minute changes extremely complicated from both a logistical and technical standpoint.

Stefano Domenicali explains why no decision has been made yet

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali also addressed the issue during the race weekend in Melbourne, explaining why the championship has not yet taken a definitive position regarding the situation.

“Our priority is always linked to the safety of everyone,” he said. “We do not want to make a decision at this moment because there is still time to properly evaluate everything. It has not been an easy week because we had personnel in Doha, Dubai and Bahrain for the Pirelli tyre tests. These have been intense days during which we had to reorganize many things.”

Stefano Domenicali’s comments highlight the complexity of managing a global championship such as Formula 1, particularly when unexpected geopolitical developments create uncertainty around key events on the calendar.

For now, Formula 1 continues to closely monitor the situation in the Middle East while maintaining flexibility in its planning. The coming weeks will likely prove decisive as the sport determines whether the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix can proceed as scheduled or whether further adjustments to the calendar will become necessary.