Track told to halt F1 preparations as Gulf double-header edges closer
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Ben Hunt is an award-winning motorsport journalist with over two decades of experience in Formula 1 and international media. As a former editor-in-chief and bestselling author, he delivers in-depth analysis and strategic insight from the highest level of the sport.
Formula 1 is moving to stand down Imola as a replacement venue for the season finale, underlining its intention to race in Qatar and Abu Dhabi despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
GPblog understands that Formula One Management has decided in principle to halt preparations at the Italian circuit, with organisers expected to receive confirmation this week, potentially as early as today.
The development is the clearest indication yet that F1 intends to complete its scheduled Middle Eastern double-header, with Qatar hosting its race on 29 November before Abu Dhabi concludes the championship on 6 December.
Imola had been preparing to step in should those events become impossible to stage. Work has included building grandstands, while teams had also made arrangements for a potential return to Italy. Formula 1 will cover the costs already incurred.
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F1 presses ahead with Middle East plans
The decision comes as FOM grows more confident that the races can proceed, amid hopes of a diplomatic solution to the war between the United States and Iran.
MotoGP’s Qatar event taking place last weekend without problems has also strengthened confidence in the region’s ability to host international motorsport.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has reinforced that message, publicly declaring preparations are in place for both grands prix.
“We are ready for Qatar and Abu Dhabi,” he wrote. “We are fully prepared and committed to delivering two outstanding Grands Prix weekends and a spectacular conclusion to the FIA Formula One World Championship.”
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The latest development also follows GPblog’s report that freight was already heading towards the Gulf and teams had been briefed on evacuation arrangements.
F1 has said comprehensive evacuation plans exist at every grand prix, while maintaining contact with authorities in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
Las Vegas remains the final fallback
Standing down Imola does not remove the uncertainty surrounding the conflict. Instead, it changes what would happen if conditions deteriorated sufficiently to prevent F1 travelling.
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Should the Middle Eastern races subsequently become untenable, the season would finish in Las Vegas, leaving a calendar of 21 grands prix.
For now, however, the direction is clear: F1 is preparing to finish in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, rather than keeping an Italian finale ready as its alternative.
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