Stefano Domenico, the chief executive of Formula One, has warned that the 2026 championship could conclude on European soil if the last two events slated for Qatar and Abu Dhabi are forced to move because of the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East. The warning follows a series of disruptions that have already reshaped the early part of the calendar, including the cancellation of the April rounds in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Over the weekend, the series announced that the Bahrain Grand Prix, originally planned for early spring, will now be staged in Malaysia in October, highlighting the fluid nature of the schedule this year.
The shift of the Bahrain race raises fresh concerns about the feasibility of holding the final two Middle‑East rounds – Qatar, scheduled for 27‑29 November, and Abu Dhabi, set for 4‑6 December – at their intended venues. In a press briefing on Wednesday, Domenico stressed that the organization remains optimistic that the calendar will stay as it currently stands, but he also made clear that a decisive verdict will not be reached until after the mid‑September deadline that the sport has set for itself. "We are in constant contact with the other championships," Domenico said. "For example, the World Endurance Championship has already confirmed that it will not finish the year in the Middle East and will remain in Europe.
Our approach is to monitor the situation as long as possible and then make a well‑timed decision, which will not be before mid‑September. At this moment the Qatar and Abu Dhabi events are still confirmed, but if the security picture does not improve by then we will have to relocate them." The 2026 season currently features 23 races, down from the 24‑race target after the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was dropped. Formula One officials are keen to preserve as many events as possible, but the logistical and regulatory challenges of moving two late‑season races to a new continent are significant. Domenico cited "Brexit‑related documentation" as a key obstacle that makes Europe the most realistic alternative, noting that several European circuits could be considered but that no firm promises can be made at this stage.
One venue that has been mentioned repeatedly is Italy's historic Imola circuit. While Domenico acknowledged that Imola is "an option, but not defined," he left the door open for the possibility that Imola, perhaps alongside another European track, could step in as a replacement. The series would prefer to keep the championship as close to the original 24‑round plan as possible, so a dual‑venue solution is being explored. Weather considerations also play a role in the decision‑making process.
Racing in Europe at the end of November or early December could expose drivers to cooler temperatures, but Domenico pointed out that the Las Vegas Grand Prix, scheduled for early November, is expected to be colder than many European venues at the same time of year. He explained that climate variability makes precise forecasts difficult, and that the series must also weigh the broader context of climate change and its impact on race conditions. The idea of adding a second Las Vegas race was briefly floated but ultimately dismissed. Domenico warned that duplicating the event could dilute its prestige and pit Formula One against the NFL, which dominates the American sports landscape during that period.
"We do not want to undervalue a jewel that is still growing," he said, emphasizing the importance of protecting the brand's image in the United States. Any alteration to the calendar could have ripple effects on the championship battle. At present, Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli leads the standings by 50 points over Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton, with twelve races still to run.
A shift to European tracks could advantage some teams and drivers while disadvantaging others, adding another layer of strategic complexity to an already tightly contested title race. Looking ahead, the season will resume after the summer hiatus with a Sprint weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix from 21 to 23 August, all sessions broadcast live on Sky Sports F1. Fans can stream the coverage via NOW without a contract, canceling at any time. As the situation in the Middle East evolves, Formula One will continue to assess the safety and logistical feasibility of its final two events, with a final decision expected by mid‑September.
If relocation becomes necessary, Europe will likely host the concluding races, ensuring the championship can finish its season despite the geopolitical challenges.