F1's 2026 season changes

F1 is preparing Imola as a contingency finale venue in case ongoing Middle East conflict forces cancellation of the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races, though the plan remains to hold both events as scheduled. Following discussion at Monday's F1 Commission meeting, teams now expect a decision by mid-October rather than the previously indicated mid-September deadline, with that timing driven by logistics such as sea freight to Qatar for a late-November race. F1 will fund the Imola preparation work, including grandstand setup, so a ready alternative exists after the Las Vegas round on November 21 if needed. Haas boss Ayao Komatsu noted logistical challenges like staffing motorhomes, while Audi's Mattia Binotto dismissed weather concerns, saying Imola's average December temperature is warmer than Las Vegas's during its race weekend.