Imola could host F1 finale as Qatar and Abu Dhabi decision nears

Formula One Management is reportedly poised to confirm that the 2026 season will not end at Imola, with the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix set to go ahead as planned. Both Middle East races had been at risk due to ongoing conflict in the region, and Imola had been preparing as a backup venue in early December should the region be deemed unsafe.

The 2026 calendar has already changed this year. The Saudi Arabian and Bahrain rounds were postponed over safety concerns, and Bahrain was later reinstated through a deal to race in Malaysia at Sepang. The Saudi round has not returned. Yamaha also boycotted the MotoGP round in Qatar the previous weekend, underlining lingering concerns.

The decision on Imola is understood to be a final call on whether the backup is needed, rather than a judgement on the Middle East. Drivers and teams have expressed faith in FOM and the FIA, and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said Formula 1 follows international guidelines on travel restrictions, airline operations and government warnings.