NederlandsImola mayor seeks F1 return after 2026 standby release
Source: PlanetF1 · · added 1 hour ago
Imola's mayor, Marco Panieri, has said the city is working to bring Formula 1 back, after being told the circuit will not be needed to host a race in 2026. Imola had been on standby as a contingency venue to end the season should the races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi not go ahead amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The FIA has confirmed plans for the final two rounds to take place in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. If those events cannot be held, no replacement venue will be sought and the Las Vegas Grand Prix will serve as the season finale instead.
Panieri said the city wants to see F1 race at the Italian venue in future, adding that work continues alongside the regional government, ACI and other partners to bring the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix back to Imola. Imola hosted F1 from 1981 to 2006, and returned in 2020 after COVID-19 forced several rounds to be cancelled.