The 2026 Formula One calendar could see its finale shift back to Europe if the last two events slated for Qatar and Abu Dhabi are forced to move because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, F1 chief Stefano Domenico confirmed on Wednesday. The series has already been forced to cancel its April rounds in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, and officials announced over the weekend that the Bahrain Grand Prix will be re‑hosted by Malaysia in October.
That change has cast doubt on whether the season‑ending races in Qatar (scheduled for 27‑29 November) and Abu Dhabi (4‑6 December) can still take place at their intended venues. Domenico told reporters he remains optimistic that the calendar will stay as it is, but he also warned that a final decision will not be made until after the mid‑September deadline, giving the sport the maximum amount of time to assess how the situation evolves. "We are in contact with the other championships," he said, noting that the World Endurance Championship has already announced it will not finish the year in the Middle East and will remain in Europe. "We will wait until the middle of September to decide, because that is the earliest moment we can have a clear picture." At present, the Qatar and Abu Dhabi rounds are still confirmed, but Domenico made it clear that if the security or logistical picture does not improve, the championship will be wrapped up on European soil.
He cited "Brexit‑related documentation" as a practical obstacle that makes Europe the only realistic alternative for the final two events, although he refused to name specific circuits. "There are several possibilities on the table, but I cannot promise anything yet," he added. 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 replacement. It is conceivable that Imola, perhaps together with another European track, could host the two displaced races, allowing Formula 1 to keep the schedule as close as possible to the originally planned 24‑round season. As it stands, 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, but Domenico pointed out that the temperatures expected in Europe at that time are actually milder than those forecast for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, which takes place earlier in November.
He explained that climate variability makes it difficult to predict exact conditions, noting that climate change is adding further uncertainty to weather patterns. The idea of adding a second Las Vegas race was also discussed but ultimately set aside.
Domenico warned that duplicating the event could dilute its prestige and put the sport in direct competition with the NFL, which commands massive viewership in the United States during the same period. "We don’t want to undermine a jewel that is still growing," he said, emphasizing the need to protect the brand value of the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Any reshuffling of the calendar could have knock‑on effects on the championship battle. Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli currently leads the drivers’ standings by 50 points over Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, with twelve rounds still to run. A shift to European tracks could favour certain teams or drivers, depending on the characteristics of the circuits chosen as replacements. The season will pick up again after the summer break with a sprint weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix from 21‑23 August, with all sessions broadcast live on Sky Sports F1.
Fans can stream the coverage via NOW, with no long‑term contract required. In summary, while the 2026 Formula 1 season is still slated to finish in the Middle East, the ongoing conflict may force the final two races to be relocated to Europe. The sport’s leadership will wait until mid‑September to make a definitive call, weighing logistical challenges, weather considerations, and the broader impact on the championship narrative.
Should a move be necessary, Imola and possibly another European circuit are being evaluated as potential hosts, ensuring that the series can still deliver a near‑full calendar despite the geopolitical turbulence.