Stefano Domenico, the chief executive of Formula One, has warned that the 2026 season could finish on European soil if the final two events slated for Qatar and Abu Dhabi are forced to move because of the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East. The possibility of a relocation stems from the same security concerns that previously compelled the sport’s governing body to cancel the April rounds in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
In a recent press briefing, Domenico confirmed that the Bahrain Grand Prix, originally scheduled for October, will now be staged in Malaysia, underscoring the fluid nature of the 2026 calendar. The shift of the Bahrain race has raised fresh questions about the fate of the season‑ending weekends in Qatar (set for 27‑29 November) and Abu Dhabi (4‑6 December). While both events remain on the provisional schedule, Domenico stressed that the final decision will not be taken until after the mid‑September review deadline, giving the organization ample time to assess how the security situation evolves.
"We are in constant contact with the other series," Domenico told reporters. "For instance, the World Endurance Championship has already announced that it will not finish the year in the Middle East and will instead conclude in Europe. Our approach is to monitor the situation closely and make a definitive call no earlier than mid‑September. At this point, the Qatar and Abu Dhabi rounds are still confirmed, but if the circumstances do not improve, we will have to move the finale to Europe." The logistical challenges of moving a Formula 1 race are considerable, especially when Brexit‑related paperwork is taken into account.
This makes European circuits the most viable alternatives, according to Domenico, who hinted that several venues are under consideration but stopped short of naming any specific tracks as guarantees. He did, however, acknowledge that Italy’s historic Imola circuit is among the candidates, describing it as "an option, but not yet defined" as a replacement venue.
If a European solution is required, Formula 1 hopes to preserve as much of the original 24‑race programme as possible. The loss of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has already reduced the calendar to 23 events, and the organisation would prefer not to drop additional rounds. Consequently, the governing body is exploring the feasibility of hosting two back‑to‑back races at a single European venue or splitting the two displaced events between two different circuits.
Weather considerations also factor into the decision‑making process. Late‑November and early‑December racing in Europe could expose drivers and teams to cooler temperatures, but Domenico pointed out that the climate in Las Vegas, where a second race was once contemplated, would actually be colder during its November slot than many European locations at the same time of year. He noted, "Statistically, Europe is milder than Las Vegas in late November, so temperature alone should not be a disqualifying factor." The idea of a double‑header in Las Vegas was ultimately set aside to avoid diluting the prestige of the inaugural event and to prevent a clash with the NFL season, which dominates the American sports landscape in early December. Domenico explained, "We do not want to undervalue a jewel that is still growing, and we certainly do not want to compete directly with the NFL for viewership." Any alteration to the calendar could have ripple effects on the championship battle.
At the moment, Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli leads the drivers' standings by a comfortable 50 points over Ferrari’s veteran Lewis Hamilton, with twelve races still to run. A reshuffle of the final two venues could influence strategy, tyre allocation, and even the psychological momentum of the title contenders. Looking ahead, the season will resume after the summer hiatus with a sprint weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix, scheduled for 21‑23 August. All sessions will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, and fans can stream the coverage via NOW without a long‑term contract, with the option to cancel at any time.
In summary, while the 2026 Formula One calendar remains largely intact, the uncertainty surrounding the Middle East rounds means that a European finale is a distinct possibility. Domenico assures stakeholders that the decision will be taken after a thorough assessment in mid‑September, and that multiple European venues are being evaluated to ensure the championship can conclude smoothly, preserving the sport’s integrity and delivering a compelling finale for fans worldwide.