Stefano Domenico, the chief executive of Formula One, has warned that the closing stages of the 2026 championship could be moved to Europe if the last two events slated for Qatar and Abu Dhabi become untenable because of the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East. The possibility of a European finale emerges after the sport’s leadership was forced earlier this year to scrap the April rounds in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
In a recent statement, the organisation confirmed that the Bahrain Grand Prix will be re‑hosted by Malaysia in October, a decision that underscores the fluid nature of the calendar amid geopolitical uncertainty. The relocation of the Bahrain race has raised fresh questions about the fate of the season‑ending contests in Qatar (scheduled for 27‑29 November) and Abu Dhabi (4‑6 December). While those events remain on the official timetable for now, Domenico emphasized that the final decision will not be taken until after the mid‑September deadline, allowing the governing body to monitor the security situation and assess whether the races can safely proceed at their intended venues.
"We are in constant contact with the other series," Domenico told reporters on Wednesday. "For instance, the World Endurance Championship has already announced that it will not finish the year in the Middle East and will remain in Europe. Our approach is to give ourselves the maximum amount of time to see how the circumstances evolve and then make an informed choice, which will not be before the middle of September." At present, the Qatar and Abu Dhabi rounds are still confirmed, but Domenico made clear that if the security picture does not improve, the championship will conclude on European soil.
He cited "Brexit‑related documentation" hurdles as a key reason why Europe is the only viable alternative, noting that several circuits on the continent could potentially step in as replacement venues. However, he stopped short of naming any specific track, describing the situation as fluid and refusing to make premature promises. One circuit that has attracted speculation is Italy’s historic Imola track. Domenico acknowledged that Imola is "an option, but not defined" as a replacement venue.
It is conceivable that Imola, perhaps in conjunction with another European circuit, could host the final races, allowing Formula 1 to preserve as much of the originally planned 24‑race schedule as possible. The current calendar already reflects a reduction to 23 events after the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was dropped. Logistical concerns about a late‑year European showdown include the prospect of colder weather.
Domenico pointed out, however, that the temperatures expected in Europe during late November and early December are actually milder than those forecast for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, which takes place earlier in the month. He highlighted that climate variability makes precise predictions difficult, adding that the sport must also consider broader environmental trends when planning events. The idea of adding a second Las Vegas race was briefly entertained but ultimately dismissed.
Domenico explained that duplicating the Las Vegas event could diminish its prestige and pit the race against the massive popularity of the NFL, which dominates the American sports calendar during that period. "We do not want to devalue a jewel that is still growing," he said, emphasizing the need to protect the brand’s integrity and avoid direct competition with a major US sporting spectacle. Any reshuffling of the calendar could have knock‑on effects on the championship battle.
At the time of the announcement, Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli led the drivers’ standings by 50 points over Ferrari’s veteran Lewis Hamilton, with twelve rounds still to run. A shift to European tracks might favor certain teams or drivers, depending on their historical performance on those circuits, potentially influencing the title race. The season will resume after the summer hiatus with a sprint weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix from 21 to 23 August, all sessions being broadcast live on Sky Sports F1.
Fans can stream the coverage via NOW, with a flexible subscription that can be cancelled at any time. As the situation develops, Formula 1 officials will continue to evaluate the security environment and keep teams, sponsors, and supporters informed about any further calendar adjustments.