# Imola Formula 1 Grand Prix hosting discussions

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/imola-formula-1-grand-prix-hosting-discussions
> Updated: 2026-08-26T02:52:26.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 2.

Local political leaders in Imola have expressed optimism regarding the potential return of a Formula 1 Grand Prix this autumn. Nicolas Vacchi, group leader for Fratelli d'Italia, noted that the government is exploring this possibility while emphasizing the need to avoid individual protagonism.

As the situation developed, the Automobile Club d’Italia (ACI) identified the Imola circuit as the primary candidate for a contingency plan to host a second Italian Grand Prix in 2026. ACI president Geronimo La Russa stated that the organization is working with government and sporting institutions to prepare Imola as an “ideal solution” should geopolitical uncertainties in the Middle East prevent the scheduled season finale in Abu Dhabi or races in Qatar from proceeding as planned.

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali is currently working to maintain the championship’s 22-race schedule to avoid financial penalties from broadcasting partners. Under one proposed contingency scenario, the Qatar promoter would fund the event by covering marketing costs, while the ACI and Formula Imola would manage local operations. In this model, Middle Eastern promoters would retain commercial rights and ticket revenues.

Regional tensions have already led to the Bahrain Grand Prix being relocated to the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia for October 2026. A final decision regarding the 2026 calendar is expected by September 15. The ongoing instability is also reportedly impacting planning for the 2027 season, particularly concerning pre-season testing and opening races in the Gulf region.

## Claims

- The Imola circuit in Italy is being considered as a replacement for the Qatar or Abu Dhabi Grands Prix. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- A final decision regarding the 2026 season finale must be reached by September 15. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali is seeking a solution to maintain a 22-race season. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Liberty Media faces significant financial penalties from television rights holders if the season falls below 22 races. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Under a proposed plan, Qatar would provide funding for the Imola race while retaining commercial rights. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Bahrain Grand Prix has been rescheduled to take place at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia in early October 2026. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-26: Imola considered as backup venue for 2026 Formula 1 season

Formula 1 is evaluating moving the 2026 Qatar or Abu Dhabi Grands Prix to Imola, Italy, due to geopolitical instability in the Middle East, aiming to maintain a 22-race season.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/imola-proposed-as-backup-site-for-second-italian-f1-grand-prix

### 2026-08-25: Imola political leaders discuss F1 return and security

Fratelli d'Italia leader Nicolas Vacchi is pushing for the return of the Formula 1 Grand Prix to Imola and calling for increased local security and public works transparency.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/imola-political-leaders-discuss-f1-return-and-security

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Cite as: Imola Formula 1 Grand Prix hosting discussions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/imola-formula-1-grand-prix-hosting-discussions