Formula 1 retains racing calendar – finals in Qatar and Abu Dhabi as planned

Formula 1 does not want to change its racing calendar again because of the Iran war and is sticking to its plan for the season finale. Managing director Stefano Domenicali confirmed in an interview with Sky Italia that the Grand Prix in Qatar on November 29th and in Abu Dhabi on December 6th should take place as planned. This means that the Imola replacement solution for the last race of the season is off the table for now.

“This is the course that we have taken based on the information and assurances available to us - and of course we absolutely have to have it, that goes without saying,” Domenicali said in the interview on the sidelines of the Grand Prix in Sepang. “We will pursue this strategy until the end of the year.”

Also a question of money

There is also a lot of money at stake for Formula 1. Qatar and Abu Dhabi pay high premiums to be part of the racing calendar. And with Saudi Arabia, a Grand Prix in the region has already been canceled. Like the Bahrain Prize, this was canceled because of the Iran war. However, the race in the Sakhir desert will be rescheduled for this weekend - as the Bahrain Grand Prix in Sepang, Malaysia.

Shifting the final to Imola would have been another highlight of this season, especially for current World Cup leader Kimi Antonelli - he comes from nearby Bologna and is on his way to becoming the first Italian world champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953.