Italian federation points to Imola as “ideal solution” to host 2026 F1 season finale

Key takeaways

• Backup finale candidate: Italian federation head Geronimo La Russa positioned Imola as the “ideal solution” to host a late-season F1 race if Middle Eastern rounds are altered.
• Geopolitical rescheduling: Escalating Middle East tensions previously caused the postponement of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian GPs, with Qatar and Abu Dhabi now under observation.
• September deadline: F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali indicated a final decision on the season-ending schedule will be made by late September.

Geronimo La Russa, president of the Automobile Club d’Italia (ACI), declared the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola as the “ideal solution” to host the season finale for the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship should schedule changes force the cancellation of late-season events in the Middle East.

Geopolitical tensions led to the postponement of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix events earlier in the year. While the Bahrain round was rescheduled to Sepang, Malaysia for October 2–4, ongoing regional uncertainty has placed the Qatar and Abu Dhabi rounds—scheduled for late November and early December—under monitoring by Formula 1 management.

Speaking at an industry event in Italy, La Russa confirmed proactive preparations alongside government agencies:

“Given the complicated international situation in the Middle East, we are working alongside the government and sporting bodies to ensure we are prepared to organize a second F1 race in our country, potentially just a few months from now during the current season,” La Russa stated. “Imola is the ideal solution to host another round of the championship.“

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali previously noted during the Hungarian GP weekend that the series aims to finalize its calendar adjustments by the end of September.

Formula 1 returns from September 4–6 at Monza for the Italian Grand Prix, the 13th round of the 2026 season. GRANDE PRÊMIO provides complete live coverage of all track action. Follow all updates on our news page.

World Championship Standings (Top 5 after Dutch GP)

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. Why is Imola being considered to host a late-season 2026 F1 race?

Imola is being prepared as a alternative venue in case ongoing geopolitical tensions force the cancellation of scheduled late-season races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

2. Where was the postponed 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix relocated?

The postponed Bahrain GP was rescheduled to take place at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia from October 2–4, 2026.

3. When will F1 decide on the final 2026 race calendar schedule?

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali confirmed that the series expects to finalize any late-season schedule adjustments by the end of September.