Andrea Kimi Antonelli has welcomed the possibility of Formula 1 returning to Imola for one of the final rounds of the 2026 season, admitting that fighting for the World Championship at his true home race would be a particularly special scenario. The Mercedes driver currently leads the standings and would relish the opportunity to race at the Emilia-Romagna circuit during the decisive stage of the title battle.
The possibility of Imola returning to the Formula 1 calendar for one of the last events of the season is becoming increasingly realistic. If it happens, the race could carry even greater significance for Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who has made no secret of his desire to return to the circuit while the championship is approaching its conclusion.
Kimi Antonelli dreams of an Imola F1 finale
Andrea Kimi Antonelli discussed the possibility during the Italian Media Round held in the Mercedes hospitality unit at Monza, an event reserved exclusively for FIA-accredited Italian media, including formula1.it. When asked about the prospect of racing at Imola again, his response was immediate.
“I think the last race at Imola would be nice. I don’t know whether the weather in December would be quite as nice!” Andrea Kimi Antonelli joked, before explaining what a return to the circuit would mean to him personally.
“I would really like to finish the championship at Imola because it is absolutely my home race. I would like to finish the year at home, but first we’ll have to see how the situation develops.”
The scenario would be particularly appealing given Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s position in the championship. The Mercedes driver could reach the closing stages of the season still fighting for the World Championship, meaning an Imola race could become much more than simply another home Grand Prix.
For now, Qatar and Abu Dhabi remain part of the 2026 Formula 1 calendar, with the final shape of the season still dependent on how the situation develops.
Imola could offer Antonelli a second chance after Monza
There would also be a natural link between a possible Imola return and what Andrea Kimi Antonelli is facing at Monza. At the Italian Grand Prix, the Mercedes driver will have to start from the back of the grid because of a penalty connected to the replacement of Power Unit components.
A return to Imola would therefore give Andrea Kimi Antonelli another opportunity to race in front of the Italian fans without beginning the weekend with such a significant disadvantage.
“If the return to Imola happens, it would be a nice way to make up for this race,” Andrea Kimi Antonelli explained.
However, the championship leader is not treating his Monza weekend as a lost cause simply because of his starting position.
“Then again, you never know with this race either: just because I’m starting last doesn’t mean we can’t have a great race.”
Andrea Kimi Antonelli therefore heads into his home Grand Prix determined to recover as much ground as possible despite the grid penalty. Should Formula 1 ultimately return to Imola later in the year, he could then receive another opportunity to race on home soil at an even more important moment – potentially with the 2026 World Championship still on the line.
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