Imola instead of Abu Dhabi? The Formula 1 drivers are discussing a possible winter finale – and don’t see the low temperatures as the only problem
Should the political situation in the region prevent the Grand Prix races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi from taking place, Formula 1 could hold its 2026 season finale in Imola in December. But what do the drivers actually think about a possible move of the final race to wintry Italy?
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc says: ” It’ll be very cold. That’s why I think it’ll be a big challenge to get the tyres up to temperature.”
This is because average temperatures in the Imola region in December are just six degrees Celsius. Even during the day, temperatures in December often remain in single figures. Added to this is a risk of precipitation on an average of just over six days a month.
Oliver Bearman quips: “We’ll need snow chains!”
That’s why Haas driver Oliver Bearman jokes: “We should bring snow chains and gloves!” On a more serious note, he adds: “If we’re in Imola in December, it’s definitely going to be cold. I lived very close by for a few years, and it really is cold there in winter. You can definitely feel it.”
Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen, however, remains calm: “There are worse places than Imola to spend the winter. Sure, it’s a bit colder than in summer and it gets dark a bit earlier. But I think we’re all clever enough to make sure we don’t drive in the dark.”
Such cold conditions wouldn’t be entirely unfamiliar in Formula 1 anyway: in Las Vegas, night-time temperatures can also drop into single figures.
What speaks in favour of Imola – and what speaks against it
Apart from the expected weather, however, Leclerc would be keen on Imola: “I like the circuit, and a second home race [für Ferrari] would, of course, be really cool.” That last happened in 2025: back then, Monza hosted the Italian Grand Prix, whilst Imola hosted the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. Since 2026, however, Imola has been missing from the Formula 1 calendar.
Formula 1’s record winner, Lewis Hamilton, seems to regret this when he says: “Imola is a wonderful circuit to drive.” Then comes the ‘but’: “Unfortunately, it wouldn’t be particularly interesting to hold the final race there. I only drove there recently. The track is very bumpy when you set the wings flat – and you can’t overtake there.”
Lewis Hamilton: Why not just race in Abu Dhabi?
And anyway: why not just race in Qatar and Abu Dhabi as planned? Hamilton raises this question. He says: “I don’t know exactly what the situation is like there. But as far as I know, nobody seems to be mentioning that we’ve only just been to Azerbaijan, which is right next to Iran. Nobody’s said anything about that.”
“So I hope there’s peace and that we can race these last two races, because they’re great events. I particularly like Abu Dhabi a great deal.”
The FOM and FIA have the final say
The decision on where the races will take place ultimately lies with Formula 1 Management (FOM) and the local race promoters. Contractual and financial issues also play a part in this.
Mercedes driver George Russell has “complete and utter” confidence in Formula 1 and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) to make “the right decision”. He emphasises: “I’m fine with any decision, because I’d like to race in as many races as possible. That’s why I’m in favour of holding these two additional races.”
For Russell, the number of races still to come is also relevant in terms of the Formula 1 drivers’ championship: currently 66 points behind his Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli, he can use every Grand Prix to close the gap. One race fewer would deprive him of an opportunity to close the gap.
However, Russell openly cites another reason for his stance: “Abu Dhabi has always provided a great finale and is simply very strongly associated with the end of the season. I love Imola as a circuit, but I don’t think Imola has the same character for a season finale that Abu Dhabi possesses.”
It’s all about the money: another complication for Imola
And Imola might also complicate matters for those involved in Formula 1 in another way: additional tax payments could be incurred. Bearman and Verstappen were asked about this at the press conference. Verstappen, however, simply said: “There’s no tax problem. You simply have to pay tax.”
Behind the tax issue raised lies what is known as ‘athlete taxation’. Put simply, the host country may have the right to tax income earned there by a foreign professional athlete through their sporting activities. This also applies to Formula 1 drivers.
An additional race at Imola could therefore result in a larger proportion of a driver’s income being attributed to Italy for tax purposes. The actual amount of the additional tax liability depends, amongst other things, on the driver’s income, tax residence, the terms of their contract, the tax treatment of their income and the relevant double taxation agreement.
