Imola seeks second Italian GP amid Middle East conflict uncertainty
Motorsport.com • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 26, 2026, 12:01 PM
Last updated Aug 26, 2026
Geronimo La Russa, president of the Automobile Club d'Italia, announced plans to potentially host a second Formula 1 Grand Prix in Italy this season, citing the ongoing conflict in the Middle East as a factor. Imola has been identified as the 'ideal solution' for an additional race, should the season not conclude in Abu Dhabi as scheduled. Currently, the Bahrain Grand Prix will still be held in early October at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. Concerns over weather conditions and logistics have been raised regarding an end-of-season European race, with discussions ongoing about maximizing the calendar.
- •Imola confirmed as potential host for second GP this season.
- •Conflict in the Middle East may disrupt Abu Dhabi finale.
- •Bahrain GP to occur in October at a different location.
- •Concerns raised about weather for November-December races.
- •Discussions on logistical feasibility are ongoing.
- 2:15 PMMotorsport.com — Imola could make F1 calendar return in place of Qatar or Abu Dhabi GP
- 12:01 PMYahoo Sports — Imola puts itself forward for second Italian GP: 'It's the ideal solution'
"Automobile Club d'Italia (ACI) president Geronimo La Russa has revealed that Italy is actively working on plans to potentially host a second Formula 1 Grand Prix later this season, should the conflict in the Middle East prevent the campaign from concluding in Abu Dhabi as usual. As already announced a few weeks ago, Formula 1 is certain to recover at least one of the events cancelled last April due to the conflict in the Middle East.
"Formula 1 will soon have to make a decision about the final races of the 2026 season as the conflict between Iran, Israel and the United States continues to shake the Middle East and cast doubt on the Abu Dhabi and Qatar grands prix. Now, an unlikely alternative has reportedly come to the fore, with Italy preparing for a second world championship race. On 29 November, the Formula 1 World ...Keep reading
Sources
External links- Motorsport.comAug 26, 2026, 2:15 PMImola could make F1 calendar return in place of Qatar or Abu Dhabi GP
Formula 1 will soon have to make a decision about the final races of the 2026 season as the conflict between Iran, Israel and the United States continues to shake the Middle East and cast doubt on the Abu Dhabi and Qatar grands prix. Now, an unlikely alternative has reportedly come to the fore, with Italy preparing for a second world championship race. On 29 November, the Formula 1 World ...Keep reading
- Yahoo SportsAug 26, 2026, 12:01 PMImola puts itself forward for second Italian GP: 'It's the ideal solution'
Automobile Club d'Italia (ACI) president Geronimo La Russa has revealed that Italy is actively working on plans to potentially host a second Formula 1 Grand Prix later this season, should the conflict in the Middle East prevent the campaign from concluding in Abu Dhabi as usual. As already announced a few weeks ago, Formula 1 is certain to recover at least one of the events cancelled last April due to the conflict in the Middle East.
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