Overview
- F1 has told teams that the Qatar (Lusail) and Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina) races remain the preferred final rounds but has delayed a final call until mid-October.
- Organisers at Imola have been authorised to build temporary grandstands and begin race preparations so the circuit can host the finale at short notice.
- Formula 1 Management is covering the financial cost and risk of Imola’s work so the Italian venue faces no exposure if it is not used.
- Teams and principals say a mid-October decision is needed for logistics such as sea freight, motorhome staffing and broadcaster commitments, and they view those challenges as solvable.
- The contingency follows earlier cancellations of the Bahrain and Saudi Grands Prix driven by Middle East security concerns and aims to guarantee a season finish after Las Vegas if the regional situation worsens.