Imola and Sepang on standby to replace Middle East war affected races

Qatar is scheduled to stage the penultimate round on November 29. Abu Dhabi is due to close the championship one week later, on December 6.

Both races currently remain on the calendar. However, informed sources have indicated that Imola could step in if the conflict in the Middle East prevents either event from proceeding.

The Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari was dropped from the calendar this season. It could now return after the Las Vegas Grand Prix to host a potentially decisive championship finale.

Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport first reported the possibility. Sources at the Hungarian Grand Prix subsequently confirmed to Reuters that the proposal was under consideration. An Imola finale would be Formula 1’s first European season decider since Jerez hosted the controversial 1997 European Grand Prix.

It would also provide Ferrari with a home finale while the Scuderia remains in contention for its first Formula 1 title since winning the 2008 Constructors’ Championship. Portimao and Istanbul had previously been considered as possible alternatives. However, planned winter construction ahead of their expected 2027 returns could make both venues unavailable.

Malaysia is meanwhile expected to return on October 4, replacing the cancelled Bahrain Grand Prix. The race would sit between Azerbaijan on September 26 and Singapore on October 11. Sepang last hosted Formula 1 in 2017.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said: “For F1, we will announce something on Sunday.” The event could officially be presented as the Bahrain Grand Prix hosted by Malaysia. Bahrain would reportedly cover the hosting fee, potentially avoiding financial concerns surrounding Sepang’s return.

Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund, Mumtalakat, also owns a controlling stake in reigning Formula 1 Constructors’ Champions McLaren.