News Summary
- Formula 1 has informed Imola that it will not be required to host a replacement Grand Prix at the end of 2026.
- Qatar and Abu Dhabi remain scheduled for November 29 and December 6, respectively.
- If circumstances prevent the two Middle East races from taking place, the championship could conclude in Las Vegas on November 21.
Formula 1 has officially abandoned its contingency plan to hold a replacement Grand Prix at Imola, informing the Italian circuit that it will not be required to host a race at the end of the 2026 season. The championship intends to proceed with Qatar and Abu Dhabi as scheduled, but Las Vegas could become the final round if the Middle East events are subsequently cancelled.
The decision removes the principal alternative that F1 had been preparing amid uncertainty over the security situation in the region.
Imola had been placed on standby to host a race on December 6, replacing the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix if necessary. However, the circuit needed sufficient notice to complete its preparations.
F1 confirms Imola will not host replacement race
A Formula 1 spokesperson confirmed that the championship had informed the Italian organisers of its decision.
“We cannot let Imola wait indefinitely. Therefore we have informed them today that we will not require them at the end of the season.”
The decision follows months of uncertainty surrounding the final two rounds, with Formula 1 monitoring developments in the Middle East.
Preparatory work had already begun at Imola, including arrangements for temporary grandstands.
The circuit had been identified as the most practical European alternative because of its existing infrastructure and experience hosting Formula 1.
However, the championship’s preference remained to complete the season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
With no further deterioration in the regional situation, F1 has decided that Imola should not continue preparing for an event that may never take place.
Qatar and Abu Dhabi remain scheduled
The decision comes after FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem publicly reaffirmed the governing body’s commitment to both races.
“We are ready for Qatar and Abu Dhabi,” Ben Sulayem said.
The FIA president also emphasised that preparations were continuing for the championship’s conclusion.
“We are fully prepared and committed to delivering two outstanding Grands Prix weekends and a spectacular conclusion to the FIA Formula One World Championship.”
His statement was published before Formula 1’s confirmation that Imola had been released from its standby arrangements.
The decision represents a significant step towards maintaining the original calendar, although it does not eliminate the possibility of changes if the security situation deteriorates.
Las Vegas could become final race if plans change
With Imola no longer available as a replacement, Formula 1 has effectively removed its main contingency option.
The remaining schedule is:
| Grand Prix | Race date |
|---|---|
| Las Vegas | November 21 |
| Qatar | November 29 |
| Abu Dhabi | December 6 |
If Qatar and Abu Dhabi cannot proceed, the season could conclude at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
That scenario would reduce the championship to 21 Grands Prix, rather than the 23 currently scheduled.
The possibility remains hypothetical. Formula 1 has not cancelled either Middle East event and continues preparing to race at both venues.
However, the decision concerning Imola means any subsequent disruption would have greater consequences for the calendar.
For teams, the announcement provides greater clarity about the expected travel schedule following Las Vegas.
It also removes the possibility of an additional European race during the final weeks of the season.
Championship battles continue into final rounds
Although Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Mercedes have already secured the drivers’ and constructors’ championships, several positions remain undecided.
Max Verstappen leads George Russell by 17 points in the battle for second place, with Lewis Hamilton only 1 point behind the Mercedes driver.
Mercedes is considering how to maximise Russell’s chances of recovering the runner-up position, although no preferential treatment has been confirmed.
Any reduction in the remaining calendar would also reduce the opportunities available to drivers and teams to improve their final championship positions.
For now, the plan remains unchanged: Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi will conclude the 2026 season.
GRANDE PRÊMIO is following developments surrounding the calendar and every session of the final rounds of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
