“We would have loved to experience this historic moment alongside the newly crowned world champion Kimi Antonelli, the teams and our extraordinary fans,” said Marco Panieri, Mayor of Imola, GPblog reported.
Formula 1 told the Imola circuit that it will not be needed to host the final race of the 2026 season. Venue organizers received instructions to halt December preparations as management maintains its focus on keeping the existing calendar intact, GPblog reported.
Circuit officials originally positioned the Italian track as a backup plan if travel complications arose for rounds in Qatar or Abu Dhabi due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East. With those events currently proceeding as scheduled, the Las Vegas Grand Prix stands ready to serve as the season finale if any further calendar adjustments become necessary.
Imola previously hosted the San Marino Grand Prix between 1981 and 2006. More recently, the venue held the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix from 2020 through 2022, as well as in 2024 and 2025.
Future Circuit Bids
Despite the cancellation of any return for the current season, Mayor Panieri insists that local authorities will continue pursuing a permanent place on future calendars. He acknowledged the disappointment of missing out on a home celebration for Italy’s newest champion while pointing toward upcoming discussions.
“Our journey to bring the ‘Made in Italy’ and Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix back to Imola continues,” Panieri told GPblog.
The city intends to work alongside regional leadership and motorsport organizations to strengthen its hosting bid. Officials plan to collaborate with President Michele de Pascale, the Emilia-Romagna Region, and the Automobile Club d’Italia.
“Together with President Michele de Pascale, the Emilia-Romagna Region, ACI and our institutional and sporting partners, we will continue to work to promote our Motor Valley and reaffirm Imola’s readiness to host Formula 1,” Panieri told GPblog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Imola considered for the 2026 calendar?
Imola served as a contingency option in case ongoing conflicts in the Middle East prevented Formula 1 from traveling to Qatar or Abu Dhabi.
What races has Imola hosted in recent years?
The circuit hosted the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix from 2020 to 2022 and again in 2024 and 2025.
Which circuit will host the season finale if races are cancelled?
If events cannot proceed in the Middle East, the Las Vegas Grand Prix will serve as the final race of the season.
Circuit Campaign Continuation
Regional leaders remain determined to showcase the local motor industry despite the setback. Preparations and promotional efforts for future race bids will proceed through institutional partnerships across the Emilia-Romagna region.
“With the pride and determination of our region, we look to the future,” Panieri told GPblog, adding that local organizers remain convinced that the best results are yet to come.
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