Final Formula 1 Race at Imola Marks End of an Iconic Era

The historic Imola Circuit will host its final Formula 1 race this weekend, as its current contract will expire without renewal in the 2026 F1 calendar.

Located southeast of Bologna, the 4.909 km track has played a significant role in F1 history. Though overtaking is notoriously difficult due to its narrow and technical layout, the circuit has produced some of the sport’s most unforgettable moments.

Iconic races and memorable duels

In 2005, the world witnessed a legendary battle between Fernando Alonso and Michael Schumacher, with Alonso narrowly holding on to victory by just 0.2 seconds at the finish.

Back in 1985, the circuit delivered high drama when three race leaders ran out of fuel in the last five laps — a rare spectacle that ended with Elio de Angelis taking the win after Ayrton Senna, Stefan Johansson, and Alain Prost were forced to retire.

More recently, the 2021 Imola Grand Prix was a thriller held in wet-to-dry conditions. Max Verstappen claimed victory after an intense fight with Lewis Hamilton, who slid off the track but made a remarkable comeback to finish second.

Pirelli’s softest tyre compound to mark Imola finale

To commemorate the venue’s final race, Pirelli will supply its softest C6 compound in hopes of delivering a dramatic and exciting farewell.

This weekend marks not only the end of a contract but the closure of a legendary chapter in Formula 1 history.