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Formula 1 officials consider replacing Qatar and Abu Dhabi with Imola

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 31, 2026, 11:31 AM

Last updated Aug 31, 2026

Formula 1 officials consider replacing Qatar and Abu Dhabi with Imola

Summary

Formula 1 is preparing for the potential cancellation of the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix events due to ongoing instability in the Middle East. Security concerns in the region, exacerbated by recent strikes on Iranian targets, have forced league officials to evaluate alternate venues to complete the current season. Stefano Domenicali indicated that a final decision regarding the calendar is expected by mid-September. Should the Middle East races be removed, organizers are looking to hold a season finale in Europe. The Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola has emerged as the primary candidate to host the closing rounds of the championship. This shift follows the earlier cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia events, with the league prioritizing safer locations after observing similar scheduling adjustments within the World Endurance Championship.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Formula 1 may cancel the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix events due to regional conflict.
•A final decision on the season calendar is expected by mid-September.
•Imola is under consideration as a replacement venue for the final races.
•Recent military strikes in the Middle East have highlighted ongoing security instability.

Latest Updates

11:31 AMYahoo Sports — Cancellation of Qatar and Abu Dhabi draws nearer; an alternative is ready

What they're saying

"
In the week after the Italian Grand Prix, more clarity is expected about a possible season finale at Imola. This is tied to the anticipated final cancellation of the Grands Prix of Qatar and Abu Dhabi, while the region was unsettled again last night.
— Yahoo Sports

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