started · updated
Imola considered as backup venue for 2026 Formula 1 season
Formula 1 is considering a contingency plan to move the final races of the 2026 season to the Imola circuit in Italy. This potential shift is a response to geopolitical instability in the Middle East, which threatens the viability of the scheduled Grand Prix in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali is working to ensure the championship maintains its 22-race schedule to avoid significant financial penalties from broadcasting partners. Under one proposed scenario, the Qatar promoter would provide funding for the event, covering marketing costs while the Automobile Club d’Italia (ACI) and Formula Imola manage local operations. In this arrangement, the Middle Eastern promoters would retain commercial rights and ticket revenues.
Geronimo La Russa, president of the ACI, confirmed that Italian authorities and sporting institutions are preparing to host a second Grand Prix in the country if necessary. A final decision regarding the 2026 calendar is expected by September 15, between the Spanish and Azerbaijani Grands Prix.
Additionally, the Bahrain Grand Prix has already been relocated to the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia for October 2026 due to similar regional tensions. The uncertainty is also impacting planning for the 2027 season, specifically regarding the traditional pre-season testing and opening races in the Gulf region.
Entities
Automobile Club d’Italia · Formula 1 · Geronimo La Russa · Imola · Stefano Domenicali
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] A final decision regarding the 2026 season finale must be reached by September 15. nusantara.media · www.rallit.fi · f1world.it
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Bahrain Grand Prix has been rescheduled to take place at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia in early October 2026. f1world.it
- [● 2 SOURCES] F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali is seeking a solution to maintain a 22-race season. nusantara.media · www.rallit.fi
- [● 2 SOURCES] Under a proposed plan, Qatar would provide funding for the Imola race while retaining commercial rights. nusantara.media · www.rallit.fi
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Imola circuit in Italy is being considered as a replacement for the Qatar or Abu Dhabi Grands Prix. nusantara.media · www.rallit.fi · f1world.it
- [● 2 SOURCES] Liberty Media faces significant financial penalties from television rights holders if the season falls below 22 races. nusantara.media · www.rallit.fi