Kieran is a freelance Formula 1 journalist for GPblog, covering breaking news, live race blogs and feature content across the F1 calendar. An NQJ-qualified journalist with more than a decade of experience, he has previously written for publications including MailOnline, the Manchester Evening News and the Eastern Daily Press.
The Mayor of Imola has pledged to continue pursuing a Formula 1 comeback after the circuit was told that it would not be needed to host the final race of 2026.
Imola was seen as a backup plan if Formula 1 could not travel to Qatar or Abu Dhabi because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. However, the venue was told to halt its preparations to host a race in December, with Formula 1 underlining its attention to carry on as normal with the current calendar.
However, if the two races cannot be held due to any further developments, it means that the Las Vegas Grand Prix will serve as the season finale.
Imola held the San Marino Grand Prix between 1981 and 2006. More recently, it served under the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix title between 2020 and 2022, and again in 2024 and 2025.
Although the prospect of Imola returning this year has been shut down, the Mayor of Imola, Marco Panieri, insists efforts to secure a future place on the calendar will continue.
ADVERTISEMENT
Imola determined to bring Formula 1 back
Writing on Instagram, Panieri acknowledged the decision while expressing disappointment at missing the opportunity to welcome Italy’s newly crowned world champion.
“We would have loved to experience this historic moment alongside the newly crowned world champion Kimi Antonelli, the teams and our extraordinary fans. A shared dream that today becomes a source of renewed energy for the future.”
Panieri said the city would continue working alongside regional authorities and motorsport organisations to strengthen its bid.
“Our journey to bring the ‘Made in Italy’ and Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix back to Imola continues. 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.”
ADVERTISEMENT
He added: “With the pride and determination of our region, we look to the future. We are convinced that the best is yet to come.”
Don’t miss GPblog in Google
Mark us as a preferred source and our articles will appear more often at the top of Top Stories.
Add as a preferred / source on Google