Sports · Motorsport · 2 hrs ago
Proposed F1 calendar change could strengthen Antonelli’s title position
Formula 1 is preparing a possible change to the end of its 2026 season because of security concerns in the Middle East.
The plan would remove the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix and hold a race at Imola in Italy on 6 December.
The change has not been officially confirmed.
Antonelli, a Mercedes driver, leads the championship with 340 points, 102 ahead of team-mate George Russell.
Under the original schedule, six races remained after Singapore and a maximum of 150 points were available.
Replacing the two Middle Eastern races with one Imola event would leave five races and 125 points available.
That would improve Antonelli’s chances, but Russell could still catch him if results go his way.
A win for Antonelli in Austin would secure the title if the shortened schedule is adopted.
Formula 1 is considering replacing the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix with a single race at Imola because of security concerns in the Middle East.
The proposed Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix would take place on 6 December, the date originally reserved for the Abu Dhabi finale.
The change would reduce the maximum remaining championship points from 150 to 125.
Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli leads George Russell by 102 points, a margin that could put Antonelli in a stronger position if the calendar is shortened.
The calendar change has not been officially confirmed.
- Who
- Formula 1 is considering the change; it could benefit championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
- What
- The proposed plan would replace the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races with one race at Imola.
- When
- The proposed Imola race date is 6 December 2026.
- Where
- Imola, Italy, would replace the races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
- Why
- The article cites escalating security concerns in the Middle East, including reports of consecutive bombings at Riyadh airport.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
No direct quotes in the coverage so far.
Imola has been kept on standby as a fallback option, and preparatory infrastructure work has been under way.
Imola is slated to host the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix if the Middle Eastern races are cancelled.
- Proposed replacement
- One race at Imola for the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix
- Proposed date
- 6 December 2026
- Antonelli’s points
- 340
- Russell’s points
- 238
- Points lead
- 102
- Remaining points under proposal
- 125
Sources
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