The 2026 Formula 1 championship could see its concluding events moved to European venues if the final two Grand Prix slated for Qatar and Abu Dhabi prove untenable because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, F1 chief Stefano Domenico confirmed in a recent interview. Earlier this year the sport’s leadership was forced to scrap the planned April rounds in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
In a quick response over the weekend, the organisers announced that the Bahrain Grand Prix would be reassigned to Malaysia, with the race now set for October. This reshuffle has raised fresh concerns about the feasibility of the season‑ending races in Qatar (scheduled for 27‑29 November) and Abu Dhabi (4‑6 December). If the Middle East situation does not improve, those events may have to be relocated.
During a press briefing on Wednesday, Domenico said he remains optimistic that the calendar will stay as currently published, but he also stressed that a definitive decision will not be taken until after the mid‑September deadline, which gives the governing body the maximum amount of time to assess the security environment. "We are in constant contact with the other championships," he told reporters. "For example, the World Endurance Championship has already announced that it will not finish the year in the Middle East and will remain in Europe." He explained that the series will "take the maximum time for us to see how the situation will develop" and that any final verdict will be made no earlier than the middle of September. "At present the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races are confirmed, but if the situation does not become clearer by then we will have to make a decision," he added.
Domenico also highlighted logistical complications stemming from post‑Brexit documentation requirements, which make Europe the most viable alternative for the two final rounds. "If the Middle East races cannot go ahead, the season will finish in Europe because we have no other realistic options," he said.
He hinted at several possible European circuits but stopped short of naming a definitive replacement, noting that "it would be premature to make promises." One venue that has been mentioned in speculation is Italy’s historic Imola circuit. Domenico described Imola as "an option, but not yet defined" as a potential stand‑in. It is conceivable that Imola, perhaps alongside another track, could host the displaced events, allowing Formula 1 to retain as many of the originally planned 24 rounds as possible. At present the calendar has already been trimmed to 23 races after the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was dropped.
Racing in Europe in late November or early December does raise concerns about colder weather, yet Domenico pointed out that temperatures in Las Vegas, where a second race was once under consideration, are actually lower than typical European conditions at that time of year. He noted that the climate factor is unpredictable, especially given the broader context of climate change, and that any decision will need to balance driver safety, fan experience, and logistical practicality. The idea of adding a second Las Vegas round was briefly explored but ultimately set aside. Domenico explained that duplicating the event could diminish its prestige and place Formula 1 in direct competition with the NFL, which dominates the American sports calendar during that period.
"We don’t want to undervalue a jewel that is growing," he said, emphasizing the importance of preserving the unique appeal of the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Any reshuffling of the latter part of the schedule could have ripple effects on the championship battle.
As it stands, Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli holds a 50‑point lead over Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton with twelve races remaining, so a shift in venue or timing could influence strategies, tire allocations, and even the psychological momentum of the title contenders. The season will resume after the summer hiatus with a sprint weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix from 21‑23 August, all sessions broadcast live on Sky Sports F1. Fans can stream the coverage via NOW, with a flexible, contract‑free subscription that can be cancelled at any time. In summary, while the 2026 Formula 1 calendar currently lists Qatar and Abu Dhabi as the final two stops, the ongoing Middle East conflict may force the series to conclude on European soil.
The governing body will monitor the situation closely, weigh logistical and safety considerations, and aim to make a final decision by mid‑September, with Imola among the venues under review as a possible replacement. The outcome will shape not only the season’s climax but also the broader narrative of how global sporting events adapt to geopolitical challenges.