Formula 1 confirms Imola is being prepared as the 2026 season finale replacement – F1 has confirmed that Imola is being prepared as a potential replacement venue if the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix are cancelled because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, although a final decision is not expected until October.
The races in Qatar on November 29 and Abu Dhabi on December 6 remain on the 2026 calendar for now. However, the situation is being monitored closely, with the Formula 1 Commission setting a mid-October deadline for a decision.
Audi team principal Mattia Binotto confirmed the timeframe in Baku.
“We discussed during the Formula 1 Commission meeting on Monday that mid-October is the deadline for such a decision.”
Binotto added that he hoped the eventual decision would be the right one.
Formula 1 confirms Imola replacement preparations
Speculation over a possible replacement race in Italy had circulated in recent weeks, and Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu has now confirmed that preparations are taking place at Imola.
“Imola is getting ready,” Komatsu said.
The Italian circuit would provide Formula 1 with an established European venue should the championship need to replace one or both of the final Middle Eastern races.
The possibility of moving the finale to Europe comes amid continued uncertainty over travel to the region. The German Foreign Office is currently advising against travel to Qatar, highlighting the wider security considerations facing teams, drivers and travelling personnel.
Binotto dismisses concerns over an Italian winter race
Holding a Grand Prix in Europe at the end of November or early December would inevitably raise questions about weather conditions.
However, Binotto does not believe temperatures would prevent Formula 1 from racing at Imola.
The Audi boss pointed to the Las Vegas Grand Prix as a comparison, noting that the Nevada race takes place in mid-November after nightfall.
Imola, he said, is actually warmer at that time of year than Las Vegas.
“That’s not a real cause for concern.”
According to Binotto, the bigger challenges would instead be “organisational and logistical” as Formula 1 would have to relocate equipment and personnel for a late-season European race.
Middle East situation has already changed the 2026 calendar
The uncertainty surrounding Qatar and Abu Dhabi follows major changes to the 2026 calendar earlier in the season.
The Saudi Arabian and Bahrain Grands Prix were cancelled after the situation in the Middle East disrupted Formula 1’s planned schedule.
Formula 1 subsequently arranged a replacement for Bahrain, with Malaysia scheduled to host a race on October 4.
A further change to the final part of the calendar would therefore represent another significant logistical challenge for the championship.
For now, Qatar and Abu Dhabi remain scheduled to host the final two races, with Formula 1 expected to make its decision by the middle of October.
Antonelli could face remarkable home finale
If Imola ultimately replaces the planned Abu Dhabi finale, the race could take on additional significance for Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.
The 20-year-old Italian is currently in contention to become the first Italian world champion in 73 years.
A championship-deciding race at Imola would effectively turn the season finale into a home event for Antonelli, potentially creating a remarkable atmosphere at the Italian circuit.
However, that scenario remains dependent on both the championship situation and Formula 1’s eventual decision over the Middle Eastern races.
For now, the key development is that Imola is not merely the subject of speculation: according to Komatsu, preparations for a potential replacement are already underway.
Would you like to see more TJ13 Formula 1 coverage? Add us to your favourites list on Google to receive trusted F1 news.
The Judge, a nom de plume of an experienced F1 journalist and site founder with long-standing sources across the paddock. With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
