F1 considers moving Qatar GP to Imola as Middle East crisis threatens season finale

Formula 1 faces a late-season dilemma. With the Middle East conflict destabilizing the region, the Qatar and Abu Dhabi GPs are in doubt — and Imola has emerged as an unlikely backup venue.

Why it matters:

F1 must decide by 15 September whether the final two rounds can proceed. If not, moving Qatar's race to Imola would preserve the 22-race calendar, protect broadcast agreements, and keep the championship intact.

The details:

• The plan mirrors Bahrain's GP relocation to Sepang, Malaysia, on 4 October.
• Imola would take over the 29 November slot, with Qatar funding the event and ACI/Formula Imola running operations.
• Financial setup: Sponsor and ticket revenues go to Qatar; Imola is reimbursed for organizational costs.
• Team readiness: Several teams have reportedly booked provisional hotels near the Enzo e Dino Ferrari circuit.
• Weather concern: Late-November fog could ground medical helicopters, likely forcing earlier session times.

What's next:

No official announcement is expected while hopes remain for a diplomatic breakthrough. But if the Gulf crisis persists, Imola — which lost its 2023 race to floods — could host a title decider between Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli and Ferrari. For Stefano Domenicali, that would be a fitting end to the season.