Stefano Domenicali is adamant about the Imola proposal: an immediate reaction sparks controversy
Stefano Domenicali’s words leave no room for doubt: the CEO of the Formula One Group confirmed to reporters, on the sidelines of the Malaysian Grand Prix (as with the Bahrain Grand Prix), that Formula 1 will complete its schedule as planned with the final races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, thus putting an end to the rumors that had brought Imola back into the spotlight in recent weeks as a possible emergency solution.
This clear stance immediately reignited the debate among fans and industry insiders. The Santerno circuit had, in fact, returned to the center of discussions just as geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region had fueled doubts about whether the season’s final races would take place as scheduled. The possibility of the Emilia-Romagna circuit returning to the calendar had generated enthusiasm, aided in part by the organizers’ willingness to consider a potential last-minute arrangement.
However, the confirmation of the original schedule nipped any alternative scenarios in the bud. This decision did not fail to provoke reactions, especially since other international championships under the FIA umbrella have adopted different strategies in the face of the same uncertainties.
The most obvious example is the WEC. After considering the possibility of rescheduling the races in Qatar and Bahrain for later in the season, the World Endurance Championship ultimately opted for a European solution, adding endurance races in Barcelona and Monza. Even more drastic was the WRC’s decision to remove the Saudi Arabia Rally from the 2026 calendar without replacing it, leaving the championship with thirteen rounds and designating the Rally Italia Sardegna as the season finale.
It is precisely this different approach that has become the focus of discussions on social media, where many fans have wondered why Formula 1 so decisively ruled out any alternative plans. Among the most common comments is one related to Kimi Antonelli: for many fans, a return to Imola would have been a special opportunity to see the talented driver from Bologna compete for a possible world championship victory in front of his home crowd, just a few kilometers from where he was born and raised.
This possibility will remain nothing more than a suggestion. Domenicali’s remarks—he himself was born in Imola—have in fact drawn a clear line: Formula 1 will not change course, and the season finale will take place as scheduled in the Middle East. However, comparisons with the decisions made by the WEC and WRC continue to fuel a controversy that, at least among fans, seems far from over.
