)
The Italian Automobile Club has announced that the Imola circuit is being prepared as a potential substitute for one of the final races of 2026, should instability in the Middle East disrupt the Formula 1 season finale.
Qatar and Abu Dhabi are currently slated to host the concluding rounds of the 2026 season, but ongoing uncertainty in the Middle East has prompted Formula 1 to maintain a European contingency plan. Imola has emerged as the clearest option if either of these events cannot proceed.
Geronimo La Russa, President of the Automobile Club d'Italia (ACI), confirmed that preparations are underway with both governmental and sporting authorities.
He described Imola as the ideal solution, stating that Italy aims to be in a position to host a second Grand Prix within the current championship if necessary.
Planning appears to have progressed beyond a mere contingency note for Stefano Domenicali. According to Italian media, teams have already begun booking hotels in the Imola area for late November and early December.
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu stated that an early decision would be preferable, while acknowledging that the geopolitical situation makes setting firm deadlines difficult. Williams team principal James Vowles noted that a late-season race at Imola could present unusually dynamic weather conditions.
The same uncertainty also affects the provisional 2027 calendar. Formula 1 would ideally like Bahrain and Saudi Arabia to open the season on two consecutive weekends in March. However, an alternative under discussion is a start with China, followed by Japan and Australia.
None of this guarantees Imola a race. What it does mean is that the circuit, local authorities, and teams are undertaking the less glamorous work required to enable a swift decision if the calendar needs to be altered.
,fit(112:112)&format=webp)
,fit(112:112)&format=webp)
,fit(112:112)&format=webp)
&format=webp)
&format=webp)
&format=webp)