F1 drops Imola back-up plan as Middle East races stay on

Formula 1 has reportedly told Imola it will not be required to host a race, ending contingency plans to move the final round of the 2026 championship there. The series has committed to holding its last two rounds in the Middle East or not at all.

The world championship resumes in Las Vegas next week, followed by races at Losail in Qatar and Yas Marina in the United Arab Emirates. F1 cancelled its Bahrain and Saudi Arabia grands prix earlier this year because of the war between Iran and the USA, and later held a 'Bahrain Grand Prix' at Sepang in Malaysia.

MotoGP raced at Losail on Sunday despite most of its riders expressing concerns about the country, and Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff defended that decision. F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali said the season remains scheduled to finish in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, adding that the safety and security of everyone in the sport remains the first priority.