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F1 tells Imola it is no longer needed as season-finale backup

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Formula 1 has told Imola it will not be needed as a contingency venue for the closing races; Qatar and Abu Dhabi remain scheduled, although a late change is possible if conditions worsen.

From the GPBeat newsroomPublished · · 1 min

Formula 1 has told Imola it will not be needed as a contingency venue for the final two races of 2026. Qatar and Abu Dhabi remain set to close the season, and the teams have also been informed.

Formula One Management had set 10 November as the deadline to take Imola off standby and commit freight logistics to finishing the season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. Under the current plan, the season ends with a Las Vegas-Qatar-Abu Dhabi triple-header.

F1’s calendar has already been disrupted: the Saudi Arabian race was cancelled, while Bahrain’s round was postponed and held in Malaysia. Qatar’s MotoGP round ran last weekend without major issues, although both Yamaha teams withdrew because of the geopolitical situation.

F1 has not ruled out a late change if conditions worsen, saying the safety of everyone remains its priority.

Sources 03
  1. SOURCEF1 2026 calendar update: Imola off the table, no plan B if Iran war escalatesAutosport
  2. SOURCEF1 confirm final Imola decision as Middle East crisis addressedRacingNews365 English
  3. SOURCEImola krijgt definitief uitsluitsel over mogelijke invalbeurtRacingNews365 Nederland