With tensions in the Middle East looking set to continue in the coming months, Formula 1 has been faced with the decision of finding a potential replacement for the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
After the U.S. initiated strikes on Iran back in February, concerns were immediately raised over the stability of the region, threatening multiple races.
In March, a decision was made to cancel races in both Bahrain and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, leaving Formula 1 with a 5-week hiatus.
Now, as the end of the season creeps ever closer, Formula 1 will soon have to decide whether or not to continue the Abu Dhabi finale as planned, or move to another venue.
For many years, fans have requested that Formula 1 select a new venue for the season finale that would provide drivers with more opportunities for overtaking and mixed weather conditions.
The Abu Dhabi marina has hosted 14 season finales since its inception in 2009, and yet it has become notorious for its lack of overtaking opportunities and variables. In many fans' eyes, this has made it an unsuitable venue for what is supposed to be the biggest race of the year.
Just last year, Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, and Max Verstappen faced off in a three-way fight for the title in Abu Dhabi, only for fans to be treated to an underwhelming finale.
While it may not be the most popular circuit, the spectacle of a season finale under the floodlights isn’t something Formula 1 is eager to lose.
Additionally, there are significant financial incentives to keep the finale in Abu Dhabi, which reportedly holds a $50 million-a-year exclusivity contract to host the season finale.
The $1.3 billion dollar Abu Dahbi circuit holds an exclusive contract with F1 to host the season finale
Why Imola?
Currently, the most likely outcome is that the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be replaced with Imola, bringing back a track that was initially left out of the 2026 calendar.
Given its proximity to team headquarters in Europe, Imola would be an easy solution for Formula 1. With most teams just hours away from the circuit, it is logistically the simplest option.
The venue has also become a favorite among fans since its return to the calendar during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Currently, there are only 35 Grade 1 circuits with the facilities and capacity ready to host a sell-out Grand Prix, leaving Imola as a good fallback.
Additionally, the 2023 race was cancelled at the last minute due to severe flooding in the Emilia-Romagna region, meaning that hosting the race this year would effectively allow the track to make up for the lost event.
The Imola track made its F1 debut in 1980 and quickly became known as one of the sport’s most iconic and dangerous tracks
Logistics aside, hosting at Imola would bring a distinct old-school atmosphere to the season finale. Fans are well over the lavish and somewhat pretentious Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and the paddock is due for a more authentic final race.
While a season finale at Imola does sound like the ideal scenario for fans and teams alike, the unpredictable climate could serve up some issues.
As the season finale is currently set at the beginning of December, the threat of another rainout or thick fog could make it near impossible to run cars on track.
Any other options?
If Imola’s unpredictable climate deems it unfit to host the season finale, luckily, there are more options.
F1’s decision to host the cancelled 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang circuit introduced the new idea of hosting F1 races at alternative circuits while retaining the Grand Prix’s name and host country.
This new precedent opens up options to host at a variety of different circuits, as long as the race stays under the Abu Dhabi name.
One of those alternate circuits could be the Portimão circuit in Portugal. The circuit made its debut in 2020, to a strong reception from fans, and recently signed a two-year contract with Formula 1.
The track would likely provide more favorable conditions compared to Imola, with higher temperatures in December and low chances for a foggy race.
Additionally, the Portimão circuit has more significant overtaking opportunities, with its wide track layout and elevation changes allowing for alternate lines.
If this season was to come to the last race, a circuit like Portimão is the type of track F1 needs to put on a real showdown.
Currently, Formula 1 has set a September 15th deadline to decide where the season finale will be hosted. For a sport that has spent years ending on the same tired track, I hope this opportunity is taken to finally give fans the unpredictable and unique finale they have been asking for far too long.
Portimão recently signed a two-year deal to host the Portuguese Grand Prix following a positive reception from fans during its 2020 debut.
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