Imola could host F1 season finale if Qatar, Abu Dhabi races cancelled
ESPN • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 25, 2026, 2:48 PM
Last updated Jul 25, 2026
The Formula One season finale may take place at Imola, Italy, if the final two races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi cannot be held due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East. F1 management has amended the championship calendar and plans to introduce a new round in Malaysia on October 4, with the Malaysian event set to be referred to as the ‚'Bahrain Grand Prix.' The current schedule includes Qatar on November 29 and Abu Dhabi a week later, but both remain uncertain. Should these races not go ahead, Imola is prepared to step in to conclude the season, marking an unprecedented end to an F1 season in Europe since 1997.
- •Imola ready to host if Qatar and Abu Dhabi are canceled.
- •Championship calendar amended due to Middle Eastern conflict.
- •New race in Malaysia expected to be confirmed soon.
- •Saudi Arabian Grand Prix removed from the calendar.
- •Potential for first European season finale in nearly 30 years.
- 5:42 PMESPN — Sources: Malaysia to host rescheduled Bahrain GP
- 2:48 PMYahoo Sports — Imola on standby to stage Formula One season finale
"This year’s Formula One season finale is set to take place at the home circuit of Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari team in Imola if the scheduled final two rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi cannot be staged. F1 bosses have been forced to amend the championship calendar due to the Middle Eastern conflict, with a new round in Malaysia on October 4 also expected to be confirmed in the next 24 hours.
"This year's Formula 1 season finale is set to take place at the home circuit of Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari team in Imola if the scheduled final two rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi cannot be staged.
Sources
External links- ESPNJul 25, 2026, 5:42 PMSources: Malaysia to host rescheduled Bahrain GP
This year's Formula 1 season finale is set to take place at the home circuit of Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari team in Imola if the scheduled final two rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi cannot be staged.
- Yahoo SportsJul 25, 2026, 2:48 PMImola on standby to stage Formula One season finale
This year’s Formula One season finale is set to take place at the home circuit of Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari team in Imola if the scheduled final two rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi cannot be staged. F1 bosses have been forced to amend the championship calendar due to the Middle Eastern conflict, with a new round in Malaysia on October 4 also expected to be confirmed in the next 24 hours.
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