Here's the thing, as FormulaUno.it reports, the 2026 Formula 1 calendar is facing a massive turning point today. Tuesday, 10 November marks the strict deadline for Liberty Media to tell Imola whether the circuit will actually be needed to step in for rounds in the Middle East. Right now, barring any sudden and unlikely twists, the word is expected to be no. That means the championship should wrap up as planned in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
Geopolitical tensions tied to the war in Iran have cast a shadow over the final two races of the season for months. These regional conflicts already hit the 2026 schedule hard, forcing the cancellation of the Bahrain Grand Prix—which was later recovered in Malaysia—and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Through it all, Formula 1 kept working hard to protect the Qatar and Abu Dhabi events.
Imola was picked as the fallback plan if safety conditions made traveling to the Middle East impossible. The Italian track stood ready, even kicking off preparatory work to host a Grand Prix on short notice. But time runs out fast, and keeping that door open past today is a logistical headache.
Things get even wilder if the situation worsens over the next two weeks. Should Qatar and Abu Dhabi fall through after Imola's availability lapses, Formula 1 will be left without a backup plan ready to deploy.
In that nightmare scenario, the 2026 world championship would simply end with the Las Vegas Grand Prix scheduled for 21 November. No Middle East rounds, no Imola rescue act, leaving the calendar slashed to 21 Grands Prix.
Liberty Media wants to avoid this outcome at all costs, and the reasons are entirely financial. Losing both Middle Eastern events could trigger losses exceeding 100 million euros, wiping out hosting fees, commercial deals, sponsorships, and all the revenue tied to the Paddock Club and hospitality operations. Keeping those final two rounds alive isn't just about racing—it is about keeping the entire business side of the championship afloat.
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