Imola Dropped from 2026 F1 Calendar; Qatar and Abu Dhabi Races Remain Pending Geopolitical Risks

The 2026 Formula 1 calendar has received its latest tweak, with the historic Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola officially removed from the schedule. Both Autosport and Motorsport.com report that the decision stems from ongoing negotiations over circuit fees and the need to balance a global roster of venues as the sport expands its footprint.

While Imola’s absence is now confirmed, the season‑ending Middle Eastern races – the Qatar Grand Prix at the Lusail International Circuit and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina – are slated to go ahead as planned. However, both outlets note a contingency: if the regional tension surrounding the Iran‑Israel conflict escalates further, the FIA reserves the right to cancel or relocate these events. No alternative "Plan B" has been publicly outlined, underscoring the precarious nature of hosting races in geopolitically sensitive areas.

The removal of Imola is part of a broader reshuffle that sees the FIA prioritising newer markets while still honouring long‑standing contracts. Imola, which returned to the calendar in 2020 as a one‑off replacement for the cancelled Canadian Grand Prix, had been under review for a permanent slot. The circuit’s management reportedly struggled to meet the financial and logistical requirements set by the sport’s commercial arm, Liberty Media. As a result, the venue will miss out on the 2026 season, though it may still be considered for future years if conditions improve.

For Indian fans, the change has limited direct impact on viewing options, but the confirmation that Qatar and Abu Dhabi will proceed is significant. Both races are broadcast live on FanCode with Indian Standard Time (IST) start times of 8:00 pm and 9:00 pm respectively, making them prime‑time events for the sub‑continent. Fans should keep an eye on any geopolitical developments that could affect the final two rounds, as a sudden cancellation would reshape the championship climax.

In summary, the 2026 F1 calendar now runs without Imola, while the season finale in the Middle East remains on the books pending any escalation in regional conflicts. Indian viewers can continue to plan for live coverage on FanCode, but should stay alert for any last‑minute updates from the FIA.

Source: Autosport