from MOGYOROD (HUNGARY)
The possible return of Formula 1 to Imola for the 2026 season grand finale has stirred the paddock in Hungary. The definition of the second part of the calendar remains the hottest topic on Stefano Domenicali’s table, with increasingly tight deadlines to allow for the organization of replacement events for the Middle Eastern rounds.
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Imola has always declared itself ready and has never stopped maintaining contact, but it is certain that a race at the Santerno in early December currently presents more than some perplexities, especially on the climatic front (even though F1 has already experienced extreme temperatures in recent years, see Las Vegas).
Mayor of Imola present in Budapest
As reported yesterday, the Mayor of Imola Marco Panieri and the general director of the circuit Pietro Benvenuti are present in the Hungaroring paddock. A visit aimed at delving into the recently completed renovation works of the facility, but obviously also an opportunity to explore a possible candidacy for 2026.
“We are here in Hungary to continue an analysis of other tracks, to proceed with the modernization projects of our facility (Event House, pit building roof, new Tosa bridge, new Via Emilia road on the Faenza side and others…) and to keep channels open with the Circus, which have never stopped in recent months – declared Mayor Panieri – Obviously, we are pleased with the interest surrounding Imola and the hypothesis of its return to the calendar. We, as always, are ready and available, and we work to always be so and at our best.”
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“In these days, however, our first thought goes to the areas still affected by tensions and conflicts in the world, hoping for a normalization that we all desperately need. Also because they generate systemic difficulties in which we are all involved and which particularly weigh on populations, from violence to instability, up to the increase in energy and food prices. For this reason too, sport and motorsport can and must represent an extraordinary vehicle for dialogue, inclusion, and unity among peoples, carrying a universal message of hope, respect, and peaceful coexistence.”
Double Las Vegas and Portimao still on the table
In addition to Malaysia, which is expected to be close to confirmation, Imola is not the only solution should the final rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi not take place. According to what FormulaPassion.it has learned, the option of a double header in Las Vegas remains alive, as does Portimao.
The Algarve circuit, seen by many as declining due to modernization works to host the Portuguese Grand Prix in 2027 and 2028, could still manage to reschedule everything and be on time to guarantee its presence both this year and next.
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