Weather data shows Liberty proposal to end F1 season at Imola could put drivers at risk

Follow us on Google Discover

Liberty Media officials are looking to pivot to other tracks to end the Formula 1 amid external factors derailing their original plans.

With the geopolitical situation derailing Formula 1’s schedule, the races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were forced to be cancelled.

Since then, officials have been concerned about the legitimacy of this year’s title race, given that the number of races have been reduced.

Give us one reason why F1 must stage a Malaysian Grand Prix in 2026?

F1 wants another race in September, but plans to revive the Bahrain GP are falling away

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

But in recent weeks, there has been chatter about Formula 1 hosting races in Malaysia and Imola to skirt these concerns, with Imola being used to host the final race of the season in December.

Even though Imola had not approached Formula 1 to host a race earlier in the year, the talk of a possible race there is concerning, given the timing and the circumstances.

READ MORE: F1 teams are blocking new Saudi Arabian GP date because they don’t want a quadruple header

Imola temperature in December jeopardises driver safety in racing conditions

If Formula 1 officials are seriously considering hosting the final race of the season at Imola, they must be aware of what the weather will be like there.

The highest average temperature in Imola during December is somewhere between 7° and 10° Celsius, while the lowest average temperature is around 0° to 2° Celsius.

There is also a limited but not insignificant chance of snow, and the cold weather also leads to cloudy conditions that feature fog.

Holding a race under these circumstances would be very difficult, as cold weather can make drivers struggle to warm up their tyres.

On top of that, visibility is also bound to be low, which can be dangerous for drivers to drive in, with the possibility of snow leading to yet another cancellation of the race.

Recent races in cold conditions, like the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix and the 2020 French Grand Prix, have shown that these conditions make it very difficult for races to take place.

READ MORE: F1 bosses considering wildcard track not seen since 2008 if another race is cancelled

Would you support the 2026 F1 season finishing at Imola in December?

The Abu Dhabi GP's original date of December 6 is the most likely slot

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

Liberty Media would also compromise fan experience by hosting December race in Imola

While the safety of the drivers must be the priority for Liberty Media and Formula 1 officials, they must also consider the fan experience.

Under such gruelling weather conditions, fans are unlikely to attend the race in the high numbers that Formula 1 officials would hope for.

Having no fans in attendance is bound to create a negative viewing experience, given how fans reacted to the races during the COVID-19 pandemic.

And with the racing bound to be impacted by the weather, fans watching at home aren’t going to enjoy the high-quality racing they would expect in the final race of the season.

It is understandable that Liberty Media are looking for alternative solutions, given that Formula 1 teams have opposed other solutions to a possible cancellation of the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

But this solution of holding the final race in Imola is not a good idea, and officials must reconsider this proposal in the best interest of Formula 1 drivers and fans.