The geopolitical tension in the Middle East is once again threatening the smooth running of the Formula 1 2026 calendar. The ongoing conflict between Iran, Israel, and the United States has cast a dark cloud over the final two rounds of next season, the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix. But amid the uncertainty, a glimmer of hope emerges from Italy: the Imola circuit is reportedly ready to step in as a replacement, potentially even hosting the title decider.
According to reports, the FIA has given itself until 15 September to decide the fate of the last two races of 2026. The decision must be made between the Spanish GP in Madrid and the Azerbaijan GP. Qatar is scheduled for 29 November and Abu Dhabi on 6 December, but instability in the Gulf—especially the lack of a definitive agreement between the US and Iran on ship passage through the Strait of Hormuz—could force both races to be cancelled.
F1 boss Stefano Domenicali is said to be working hard to find a way to keep the season at 22 rounds. One strong option is to move the Qatar or Abu Dhabi GP to Imola, following the same pattern as the planned Bahrain GP at Sepang, Malaysia, on 4 October. This would give Imola the chance to host a Grand Prix again, having last appeared in 2023—when the race was cancelled due to severe flooding in the Emilia-Romagna region.
The proposed scheme is quite unique. If it materializes, the race promotion would be handled entirely by the Qatari promoter, while the technical organization would be entrusted to ACI and Formula Imola, the company managing the Enzo e Dino Ferrari circuit. Sponsor revenues and grandstand ticket sales would go to the Middle Eastern promoter, while Imola would only receive reimbursement for organizational costs. Despite sounding financially unattractive, the return of F1 to Imola is clearly welcome news for Italian fans.
This move would benefit all parties. Qatar keeps its slot on the calendar, Liberty Media avoids hefty penalties to TV broadcasters because their contracts require 22 races, and Imola gets a golden opportunity to return to the world stage. For ACI Italy, whose president is Geronimo La Russa, this is a chance to host two races on Italian soil without spending a single cent—something previously unthinkable.
The final decision is still pending, but the Imola replacement scenario is far from fantasy. If it happens, we could see the title decider at that historic, character-filled circuit—something that will surely be welcomed by F1 fans worldwide.
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