F1 could end 2026 season at Imola if Qatar and Abu Dhabi cannot go ahead

ORANJESTAD — Formula 1 still does not know whether the final two Grands Prix of the 2026 season, scheduled for November 29 in Qatar and December 6 in Abu Dhabi, can go ahead because of security concerns in the Middle East. Imola in Italy is being considered as a possible alternative if the races cannot be held as planned.

The regional conflict has already forced changes to the Formula 1 calendar. The Bahrain Grand Prix has been moved to Malaysia because of security concerns.

Formula One Management and the FIA have not yet made a final decision on Qatar and Abu Dhabi. According to Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu, Formula 1 is expected to provide greater clarity by mid-October.

Imola, which is not on this year's regular F1 calendar, is among the options to host the season finale. However, staging a race in Italy in late November or December would bring challenges, including cold temperatures, a high chance of rain and logistical issues for the teams.

The uncertainty is also affecting Formula 2. If the Qatar and Abu Dhabi rounds are cancelled, there is currently no replacement planned for that championship. That could bring the season to an immediate end while Rafael Câmara, Nikola Tsolov and Alex Dunne remain in contention for the title.

For now, Formula 1 still hopes the races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi can proceed, but Imola remains under consideration as an alternative if the security situation prevents the season from ending in the Middle East.