2026 F1 Finale: Why Imola Could Replace Qatar and Abu Dhabi

Formula 1 could be heading back to Imola before the end of the year.

The iconic Italian circuit has emerged as the leading contingency venue to host the final round of the 2026 Formula 1 season if the scheduled races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi are cancelled due to the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

While no decision has been made yet, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has indicated that a final call is expected by mid-September, giving organisers enough time to reshape the calendar if required.

Why are the F1 final races under threat?

The uncertainty stems from the continuing conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran, which has raised concerns over staging the final two Grands Prix in the Gulf region.

If Formula 1 determines that conditions are unsuitable for the races to go ahead, both Qatar and Abu Dhabi could be removed from the calendar.

Rather than ending the season early, F1 is preparing backup plans to ensure the championship concludes with a full finale.

Why Imola GP?

The Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari has become the frontrunner for several reasons.

The circuit already meets Formula 1’s requirements, reducing the logistical challenges of organising a race at short notice. More importantly, it would allow teams to remain in Europe rather than shipping freight back overseas after Las Vegas.

There is also the sporting appeal.

With Ferrari expected to remain in championship contention and Italian rookie Kimi Antonelli continuing his rapid rise, a season finale in Italy would likely attract enormous local interest.

Would racing in December be a problem?

One obvious concern is the weather.

Imola in early December is significantly colder than the Middle Eastern venues it would replace, raising questions over tyre performance and grip levels.

However, BBC F1 correspondent Andrew Benson noted that Formula 1 already races in similarly cold conditions at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, where track temperatures regularly fall into single digits during the night.

Unlike Las Vegas, an Imola race would likely be held during daylight hours, allowing some natural heating of the circuit surface.

As Domenicali pointed out, if the tyres can perform in Las Vegas, they should also cope at Imola.

Why not another circuit?

Several alternatives have been suggested, but each comes with major obstacles.

South Africa’s Kyalami has long been linked with an F1 return, but previous attempts to stage a race have failed due to commercial and logistical issues.

Portugal’s Portimão is scheduled to return to the calendar in 2027 but requires infrastructure work before it can host another Grand Prix.

Istanbul Park faces similar timing challenges, while Thailand currently does not have an FIA Grade 1 circuit capable of hosting Formula 1.

Domenicali also highlighted another practical hurdle: transporting equipment back into Europe while navigating post-Brexit customs regulations. Keeping the season within Europe would simplify those logistics considerably.

Barcelona also enters the conversation

Imola is not the only circuit preparing for a potential return.

Reports suggest Barcelona is also discussing emergency options with Formula 1.

The Spanish venue is currently the leading candidate to host 2027 pre-season testing should Bahrain become unavailable. It is also understood to be on standby as a replacement race venue if Bahrain or Saudi Arabia cannot host events next season.

While Barcelona’s testing proposal is considered the most advanced, both circuits remain part of Formula 1’s broader contingency planning.

When will a decision be made?

Formula 1 is expected to monitor developments in the Middle East over the coming weeks before making a final decision around mid-September.

If Qatar and Abu Dhabi remain on the calendar, Imola’s return will not be required.

But if the geopolitical situation forces late changes, the Italian circuit is currently best placed to host what would be an unexpected-and potentially dramatic-season finale in early December.