Formula 1 is considering alternatives for the end of the 2026 season due to the conflict in the Middle East, and Imola appears among the options to replace any canceled rounds. According to GPblog, there is even the possibility that the race in Italy could be held under the name of the Qatar GP or Abu Dhabi GP, although this scenario is considered unlikely.
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The category has been reshaping the calendar since the conflict in the region affected the holding of some races. Last Sunday, it was confirmed that the Bahrain GP will be held at the Sepang Circuit in Malaysia, from October 2 to 4. Even though it will take place about 6,000 kilometers from the Middle Eastern country, the event will keep the Bahrain GP name.
According to the publication, the model was adopted because Sepang is interested in hosting Formula 1 but has limited financial resources. Since Bahrain cannot host the round, the country will take on the main sponsorship of the event, remaining prominent for the category’s fans despite the race taking place elsewhere.
The same problem could affect the final rounds of the season. Also according to GPblog, the continuation of the conflict involving the United States and Iran raises doubts about holding the races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. Additionally, travel advisories issued by several countries for Qatar and the United Arab Emirates make it difficult to guarantee the safety of Formula 1 personnel.
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Given this scenario, Formula One Management (FOM) is evaluating options to replace these races if necessary. Portimão was considered, but the circuit owners prefer to complete modernization works before hosting the category again in 2027.
Imola is one of the alternatives being considered to host a race on the last weekend of November. According to the investigation, those responsible for the Italian circuit also discussed a possible partnership with a Middle Eastern country to reduce the costs of holding the round. Although the possibility of the race adopting the name of the Qatar GP or Abu Dhabi GP is considered remote, it has not been completely ruled out.
Before any decision, however, FOM will need to decide if the Qatar and Abu Dhabi rounds will indeed be removed from the calendar and then choose which circuits will replace these races. According to GPblog, Imola is not the only candidate for the spot.
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