The Formula 1 calendar for the end of the 2026 season may undergo another change. Although Formula One Management (FOM) publicly maintains the forecast for the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix, the eleven teams on the grid have reportedly been informed behind the scenes that Imola will be used to close the championship, according to the portal GPBlog. Hotel rooms in the Italian region have even reportedly been reserved.
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Recently, the organizers of the Abu Dhabi GP announced the artists scheduled to perform at the Yas Marina Circuit this year. Zara Larsson, Lewis Capaldi, and Imagine Dragons appear on the lineup. Meanwhile, FOM continues to state that the F1 calendar remains unchanged and that any changes will be officially communicated.
For the teams, however, the main issue would already have been clarified. FOM reportedly informed internally that it will not be necessary to travel to Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
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The delay in making the change official reportedly has a financial explanation. Formula 1 receives tens of millions in hosting fees paid by the organizers of the Grands Prix in the Middle East. If FOM itself cancels a race, the promoters do not have to pay this amount.
The category, therefore, would be waiting for Qatar and Abu Dhabi to take the initiative to cancel the races or for some kind of financial agreement to be reached. According to GPblog, Abu Dhabi, especially, currently maintains a firm position.
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