F1 confirms Qatar and Abu Dhabi finale, Imola stood down

Formula 1 has ruled out Imola as an alternative venue for the final two rounds of its 2026 championship, confirming that the season-ending races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi will go ahead as planned. The Italian circuit had been kept on standby as an emergency option should the sport decide against travelling to the Middle East.

An F1 spokesperson said Imola was only ever an option if the championship chose not to go to the Middle East, and that the region had always been the plan. The circuit has now been informed it will not be required at the end of the season.

The spokesperson said nothing had negatively developed in Qatar or Abu Dhabi in recent months, pointing to valid travel advice, insurance cover and normal business levels, with teams supportive of concluding the season as scheduled. F1 added that safety would remain the priority should the situation change.