The 2026 Formula 1 calendar faces a potential reshuffle at its very end, with the possibility that the last two Grand Prix events—currently slated for Qatar and Abu Dhabi—could be moved to European venues if the ongoing conflict in the Middle East makes those races untenable. Stefano Domenico, the president of Formula 1, confirmed that the series will monitor the situation closely and will make a final decision no earlier than mid‑September, giving the sport the maximum amount of time to assess safety, logistics and political considerations.
The backdrop to this contingency plan is a series of disruptions that have already hit the 2026 schedule. Earlier in the year, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian rounds, both originally set for April, were cancelled as the war in the region escalated. In a swift response, the organizers announced that the Bahrain Grand Prix would be relocated to Malaysia and run in October, a move that underscored the flexibility required of a global motorsport series when geopolitical events intervene. Malaysia’s willingness to step in highlights the kind of rapid negotiations that F1’s commercial team must undertake when a venue becomes unavailable.
However, the shift of Bahrain to an Asian location left a gap in the calendar’s autumn phase, raising concerns about the feasibility of keeping the two Middle‑East finales in place. The Qatar race, scheduled for 27‑29 November, and the Abu Dhabi event, set for 4‑6 December, sit at the tail end of the season when teams are fighting for championship points and sponsors are looking for maximum exposure. During a press briefing on Wednesday, Domenico emphasized that, while the current plan remains unchanged, the organization will not commit to a definitive answer until the middle of September. He explained that the decision‑making process is coordinated with other major series, such as the World Endurance Championship (WEC), which has already announced that it will not conclude its season in the Middle East and will instead finish in Europe.
This alignment helps avoid clashes over resources, staffing and media coverage. "We are in contact with all the other championships," Domenico said. "For example, the WEC has confirmed they will stay in Europe at the end of the year. Our structure allows us to take the maximum amount of time to see how the situation evolves, and we will decide at the appropriate moment, which will not be before mid‑September." If the conflict persists and the safety of teams, personnel and fans cannot be guaranteed, Europe emerges as the only realistic alternative for the final two rounds.
The logistical challenges tied to post‑Brexit documentation, customs procedures and the movement of high‑value equipment across borders make other continents less viable on short notice. Domenico noted that several European circuits are already being considered, though no final venue has been locked in. One of the most frequently mentioned candidates is the historic Imola circuit in Italy. While the track has a rich heritage and could provide a dramatic backdrop for a season‑closing showdown, Domenico cautioned that Imola is "an option, but not yet defined".
The organizers are keeping the door open for multiple venues, possibly even splitting the two races between two different tracks to preserve the intended 24‑race schedule. At present, the calendar has been trimmed to 23 events after the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was removed. Racing in Europe in late November or early December does raise concerns about colder weather and shorter daylight hours. Nevertheless, Domenico pointed out that the temperature profile for a European autumn race is actually milder than what drivers will experience at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, which takes place earlier in November under desert heat.
He highlighted that while climate change adds an element of unpredictability to weather patterns, the historical data suggests that European venues will not be dramatically colder than Las Vegas at that time of year. The idea of adding a second Las Vegas race was briefly explored but ultimately set aside.
Domenico explained that duplicating the Las Vegas event could dilute its prestige and pit the series against the NFL, which dominates the American sports landscape during the same weekend. "We don’t want to undervalue a jewel that is still growing," he said, emphasizing the need to protect the brand integrity of the Grand Prix in Las Vegas while also respecting the massive viewership of the NFL. Beyond the logistical and climatic considerations, any calendar alteration could have a material impact on the championship battle. As of the latest standings, Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli leads the title hunt by a comfortable 50 points over Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, with twelve races remaining.
A shift in venue could affect car performance, tyre strategies and even driver morale, potentially reshaping the final points tally. The season will continue its momentum 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, offering flexibility for those who wish to follow the championship’s dramatic conclusion, wherever it may take place.
In summary, while the 2026 Formula 1 season is currently set to finish in the Middle East, the ongoing conflict may force a relocation to Europe. The governing body is prepared to make a definitive decision by mid‑September, weighing safety, logistical feasibility and the broader motorsport calendar.
Potential European hosts, including Imola, are under consideration, and the series aims to preserve as much of the original 24‑race plan as possible. The outcome will not only determine where the final checkered flag falls but could also influence the championship dynamics as drivers and teams vie for the ultimate prize in what promises to be a season marked by both sporting excellence and unprecedented external challenges.