Kimi Antonelli isn’t holding back: his message to Formula 1’s top brass is sparking heated debate
Kimi Antonelli has returned to Italy as the Formula 1 world champion, and while his main focus is on enjoying a few days with family and friends before the final stretch of the season, he has sent a message that has inevitably reignited a discussion already very much alive in the paddock, namely, the potential use of the Imola circuit as a “relocated” venue for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix—similar to how the Bahrain Grand Prix was held in Malaysia—due to the difficult geopolitical situation in the Middle East.
The Mercedes driver did not shy away from reporters who caught up with him on Monday at the Bologna airport: “It would be wonderful to wrap up the championship by racing at Imola—a dream,” he said, reigniting a scenario that had been discussed in recent weeks for reasons that go far beyond the sporting aspect.
The shadow of uncertainty continues to hang over the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the final race scheduled for the 2026 calendar. Questions about whether the event will take place as scheduled remain unanswered, and in this context, Imola has already put itself forward as a possible replacement venue. The possibility of seeing the MotoGP circus return to Emilia-Romagna on December 6 remains on the table (despite Stefano Domenicali’s denials), and Antonelli’s remarks have only served to heighten interest in this possibility.
The situation in Qatar, however, appears different. The MotoGP weekend took place without any major issues, and this has helped bolster the organizers’ confidence that the event scheduled for the weekend ending November 29 will go ahead as planned. While it hasn’t completely dispelled all concerns, the success of the motorcycle event has restored greater optimism about the possibility of holding the Formula 1 Grand Prix as scheduled.
The cancellation of one or even both events, however, remains a complicated scenario. Although the Drivers’ and Constructors’ championships have already been decided, Formula 1 must contend with a massive organizational machine, built months in advance through contracts, logistics, commercial agreements, and commitments to promoters and sponsors. Any change to the calendar would entail significant financial consequences and possible penalties—factors that are driving all parties involved to do everything possible to stick to the original schedule.
Yet the issue continues to fuel debate. On the one hand, there is a desire to ensure maximum safety; on the other, the need to safeguard the series’ economic stability. In the middle is Imola, ready to step in should last-minute action be required. And among the supporters of this solution, it seems, is the new king of Formula 1.
