F1 season to end in Europe if Qatar, Abu Dhabi unable to host due to war | Motorsports News
Formula One Faces Decision on Middle East Races Amid Ongoing Conflict
Published: July 29, 2026
Formula One is poised to conclude its season in Europe should the final races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi be deemed unfeasible. Chief Executive Stefano Domenicali announced a mid-September deadline for this critical decision amid the escalating conflict between the United States and Israel involving Iran.
Domenicali addressed reporters on Wednesday, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to monitoring developments closely. “We will take the maximum time for us to see how the situation will develop and we will make the decision at the right time,” he stated.
Previously, races scheduled for Saudi Arabia and Bahrain in April were canceled due to the ongoing conflict. Malaysia’s Sepang circuit is now slated to host a replacement race on October 4, with financial support from the Gulf nation.
Meanwhile, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has rescheduled its World Endurance Championship events, moving the last two races from Qatar and Bahrain to Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya and Italy’s Monza, respectively, in October and November.
Domenicali confirmed that the races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi are currently on the calendar and have sold out. “If this will not be possible, the end of the season will be in Europe because we cannot go to other places,” he cautioned. Qatar is scheduled to host a race on November 29, followed by Abu Dhabi on December 6.
Imola Being Considered as a Backup Venue
Domenicali also indicated that Italy’s Imola circuit is under consideration as a potential replacement venue. Despite being removed from this year’s calendar, sources suggest it could be a leading option, although weather conditions during that time remain a concern.
Domenicali remarked on the contrast in temperatures, noting that the climate during the Saturday night race in Las Vegas in November is cooler than that of Europe. He expressed reluctance to schedule two races in Las Vegas at the season’s conclusion, citing competition with the NFL season.
While the 2027 calendar remains unpublished, Bahrain was anticipated to reclaim its traditional season-opening slot from Australia in March prior to recent developments. The Formula One organization plans to release the updated schedule later this year.
Domenicali affirmed that plans remain flexible should conditions in the Middle East not improve. He assured that the aim for next year includes hosting 24 Grand Prix events. Additionally, he announced the return of Portugal and Turkiye to the racing calendar. Longer-term discussions are underway with prospective hosts in Africa, alongside rising interest from regions in Asia and South America.
“We have more requests in China and Japan, but for the moment, we want to maintain one race in China to consolidate the market before considering additional options there,” he noted.
