Formula 1 has confirmed that the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix will go ahead as planned, ending months of doubt over the final rounds of the 2026 season. The decision means Imola has been stood down from its preparations to serve as an alternative venue for the season finale.
Middle East conflict disrupts calendar
Conflict in the Middle East has already caused significant disruption to the calendar. Races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, due to take place in April, were cancelled in the wake of the US and Israeli offensive on Iran and the Asian state's retaliatory fire on other countries in the region. One of those lost events was eventually rescheduled and took place in October, with the Sepang circuit in Malaysia hosting a 'Bahrain Grand Prix' largely paid for by the Gulf nation.
The final two rounds, as usual, were due to be held in Qatar and Abu Dhabi on subsequent weekends at the end of November and start of December. However, ongoing tensions in the Middle East meant a backup plan was required.
Imola stood down as backup
Several venues were sounded out, but it was quickly decided that Imola in Italy was the most viable alternative option. The circuit, which hosted the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix annually up to and including last year, had been preparing in case it was needed for what was likely to be a behind-closed-doors event.
F1 chiefs waited as long as they could to make a final decision. The preference had always been to travel to and race in Qatar and Abu Dhabi as scheduled, but some teams and drivers were uneasy given an escalation could happen at any moment.
FIA confirms commitment to Middle East races
The FIA has been bullish about its intention to race in the Middle East anyway. President Mohammed ben Sulayem has driven that stance, telling interviews in recent weeks that his children would not currently be living in the UAE if he felt it was unsafe there.
That stance has now been made official. F1 confirmed on Tuesday that the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix are set to go ahead as planned and that Imola has been stood down from its preparations to step in as an alternative venue for the season finale if needed.
"Imola has been informed they will not be required as a back up for end of season and we have informed the teams," a spokesperson said. "Imola was only an option in the event we made a decision not to go to the Middle East at the end of the season and would have taken place on the Abu Dhabi weekend."
"We cannot let Imola wait indefinitely. Therefore, we have informed them today that we will not require them at the end of the season. The teams are aware of this also. Nothing has negatively developed in the region and specifically in Qatar and Abu Dhabi in recent months. Travel advice still allows travel, travel insurance is valid, events are taking place, business has returned to a normal level in both countries and the teams are all supportive of concluding the season as planned."
Posting on social media, Ben Sulayem added: "We are ready for Qatar and Abu Dhabi. We are fully prepared and committed to delivering two outstanding Grands Prix weekends and a spectacular conclusion to the FIA Formula One World Championship. We look forward to welcoming drivers, teams and fans to two iconic circuits for an unforgettable finish to the season."
Had it been required, the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari would have served as a fitting venue for Kimi Antonelli to end his season as world champion. The 20-year-old was born in Bologna, around 20 miles to the north-west of Imola.
