Italy is already working on the possibility of hosting a second Formula 1 race in 2026. Imola has been pointed out as the main option should the situation in the Middle East prevent the season from ending in Abu Dhabi.
Read more F1: Rosberg says Russell was “hurt” by Mercedes’ order
The president of the Automobile Club d’Italia (ACI), Geronimo La Russa, revealed that the government and sports institutions are preparing a plan to make the additional race viable. The possibility gained strength due to uncertainties involving the last stages planned for Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
One of the races that had been canceled in April due to the conflict in the Middle East already has a defined solution. The Bahrain GP will be held in early October, but exceptionally at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia.
It is not yet defined, however, how Formula 1 will conclude the championship if it is not possible to hold the final races in the Middle East. The Qatar GP is scheduled as the penultimate stage and Abu Dhabi as the finale, while a European alternative is being considered given the international scenario.
Read more F1: Norris gives rare praise to himself after victory in the Netherlands
La Russa confirmed that preparations have already begun for Italy to be ready, should it be necessary to host a second race in a few months: “Given the complicated international situation in the Middle East, we are working with the government and sports institutions to ensure that we are ready to organize a second Formula 1 GP in our country,” he stated.
The director was direct in pointing to Imola as the preferred choice for the eventual race: “Imola is the ideal solution to host another stage of the F1 championship,” concluded La Russa. Despite the preparations, the realization of the race still depends on Formula 1’s definition of the calendar and the future of the stages in the Middle East.
Read more NASCAR Brazil honors the presentation of the new Chapecó racetrack
