F1 rules out Imola as Abu Dhabi GP replacement

Formula 1 has confirmed that Imola will not be needed as a replacement venue for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The Italian circuit had been considered as a contingency should the championship decide against travelling to the Middle East for the final races of the 2026 season. F1 has informed Imola's organisers and the teams that the venue will not be required, with the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix remaining on the calendar.

An F1 spokesperson said the Middle East had always been the plan and that the championship could not let Imola wait indefinitely. The spokesperson also stated that nothing has negatively developed in Qatar or Abu Dhabi in recent months, pointing to current travel advice, valid travel insurance and events such as MotoGP taking place in Qatar the previous weekend.

F1 added that the teams support concluding the season as planned, but that it would not hesitate to change course if the situation deteriorates before the Middle East events, with the safety of everyone remaining the priority.