Formula 1 is preparing to finish the 2026 season in Europe if ongoing instability in the Middle East prevents the final two Grands Prix from taking place in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, president Stefano Domenicali has confirmed.
While Formula 1 continues to work on the assumption that both races will go ahead as scheduled, contingency plans are already in place should the situation deteriorate before a decision deadline in September.
The championship is due to conclude with the Qatar Grand Prix from November 27-29 before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix brings the campaign to a close a week later.
However, uncertainty remains after conflict in the region forced Formula 1 to overhaul its calendar earlier this season.
The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix were both cancelled in April, with Bahrain subsequently rescheduled for Malaysia in October, leaving Saudi Arabia as the only race lost from the original calendar.
Domenicali insists no decision on the closing rounds will be made until the middle of September, giving organisers as much time as possible to assess conditions.
“With regards to the end of the season, we are in touch with all the other championships,” Domenicali said.
“And I know that, for example, WEC has announced that they will not go at the end of the year in the Middle East and they will stay in Europe.
Formula 1 is preparing to finish the 2026 season in Europe if ongoing instability in the Middle East prevents the final two Grands Prix from taking place in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, president Stefano Domenicali has confirmed
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“The way that we are structured is that we will take the maximum time for us to see how the situation will develop, and we will take the decision at the right time.
“That moment would be not before the middle of September.
“For us, today, the races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi are confirmed.
“But, of course, if the situation will not be clearer, the way that we believe it should be, before the middle of September, we will take the decision.”
The F1 calendar for the 2026 season | GB NEWS/GETTY
Should Formula 1 ultimately abandon its Middle East finale, Europe has been identified as the only realistic alternative.
Domenicali explained that logistical complications, including Brexit-related customs documentation, make staging replacement races elsewhere in the world impractical at such short notice.
“I just want to confirm to you that if this will not be possible, the end of the season will be in Europe, because we cannot go in other places,” he said.
“There are some possibilities on the table, but I don’t think it’s right to make some promises or anticipate certain things, but that’s the situation of today.
“Even if I really hope that it will not be the case, if the situation will not allow for us to be there, we’re going to finish the championship in Europe.”
Italy’s Imola circuit has emerged as one of the venues linked with hosting a replacement race, although Domenicali stressed no decision has been taken.
Asked about the former San Marino Grand Prix venue, he replied that it is “an option, but is not defined”.
Formula 1 is believed to be exploring multiple European circuits as it aims to preserve a calendar as close as possible to the planned 24-race schedule.
Kimi Antonelli currently sits top of the F1 standings
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Following the cancellation of Saudi Arabia, the championship currently stands at 23 rounds.
Racing in Europe at the end of November or early December would inevitably raise concerns over colder conditions, but Domenicali dismissed suggestions that temperatures would create insurmountable problems.
He noted that average temperatures during the Las Vegas Grand Prix earlier in November are typically lower than those expected at several European venues later in the year.
The Italian also revealed Formula 1 briefly explored the possibility of staging a second race in Las Vegas before deciding against the idea, citing concerns over diluting one of the sport’s fastest-growing events and competing directly with the NFL.
With 12 races still remaining, any further alterations to the calendar could have a significant impact on the championship battle, with Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli currently holding a 50-point advantage over Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton at the top of the standings.
