Max Verstappen has pushed back against Valtteri Bottas’s concerns over the possibility of Imola hosting the final race of the 2026 Formula 1 season. While the Cadillac driver highlighted December weather conditions and taxation in Italy as reasons why drivers might prefer Abu Dhabi, the four-time world champion argued that neither should prevent Formula 1 from racing at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari.
The possibility of moving the season-ending Grand Prix to Imola has become an increasingly discussed subject among the drivers. The Italian circuit could host the final round if the scheduled Abu Dhabi Grand Prix cannot take place, turning the question of a December race at Imola into one of the paddock’s main talking points.
George Russell questions Imola as a Formula 1 season finale
George Russell was the first driver to express a negative opinion, although the reasons he gave prompted some debate. The Mercedes driver said that, despite loving Imola, he did not consider the circuit suitable for the role of Formula 1’s season finale and argued that Abu Dhabi offered a more appropriate setting.
“Abu Dhabi has always put on a great show and it is, in every sense, the season finale. I love Imola as a circuit, but I don’t think it has the kind of character that Abu Dhabi offers for a race that decides the season.”
Valtteri Bottas raises weather and tax concerns over Imola
Valtteri Bottas has now supported George Russell’s position. The Cadillac driver expressed reservations about holding a potential Imola Grand Prix during the first weekend of December, from 4 to 6 December.
According to Valtteri Bottas, the low temperatures and limited afternoon daylight could create problems that should not be underestimated. He also pointed to Italian taxation on drivers’ earnings, contrasting the situation with Abu Dhabi, where he said there are no equivalent taxes.
“Imola as the final race of 2026? I’m not a big fan of the idea. Because I’ve heard what the weather is like at the time of year when we would have to race. There’s fog in the morning, the sun sets early and the temperatures are low.”
“Also, I don’t know if you’ve heard about Italian taxes… So nobody really wants to race in Italy, also because of what has happened recently.”
Valtteri Bottas added that warmer conditions would naturally make the existing Middle Eastern venues more attractive.
“If we raced in Abu Dhabi? Yes, there are no taxes there. Right? I think everyone would rather race somewhere warmer compared with Imola. But for the moment, from what I’ve heard, we should currently be going to race in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.”
Max Verstappen backs Imola despite December conditions
While George Russell and Valtteri Bottas both expressed reservations, Max Verstappen took the opposite position.
The Red Bull driver has always shown a strong enthusiasm for racing and believes Imola would be a more than worthy venue at which to conclude the 2026 Formula 1 season.
“There are worse places to be in winter than Imola. It’s a little colder than in the summer and obviously it gets dark earlier, but I think we’re all smart enough to make sure we don’t end up racing when it’s dark.”
Max Verstappen therefore sees no major obstacle in holding a Grand Prix at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in early December, provided the schedule is organised sensibly around the reduced daylight hours.
Max Verstappen dismisses Italian tax concern
The four-time world champion was equally unconcerned by the taxation issue raised by Valtteri Bottas.
“There are no tax problems. Taxes have to be paid,” Max Verstappen concluded.
The differing opinions underline how divided the Formula 1 paddock remains over a possible change to the final round of the championship. For now, Abu Dhabi remains part of the 2026 Formula 1 calendar, while Imola remains a potential alternative should the closing stages of the season need to be reorganised.
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