Imola circuit eyed as F1 season finale amid Middle East conflict

Formula One is weighing Italy's Imola circuit as a backup venue for the season‑ending Grand Prix if the scheduled races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi are cancelled because of the escalating Middle East conflict and related travel advisories.

At the same time, Malaysia's Sepang International Circuit is slated to host a race in early October, effectively replacing the cancelled Bahrain Grand Prix and likely being billed as a Bahrain event with Gulf funding. Other alternatives such as Portugal's Portimao and Turkey's Istanbul face logistical hurdles. An Imola finale would be the first European season‑closing race since 1997.