F1’s 2026 Calendar May Shift to Europe If Middle‑East Finale Becomes Unfeasible

The 2026 Formula 1 campaign could conclude on European soil if the last two events slated for Qatar and Abu Dhabi are forced to move because of the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East, F1 chief Stefano Domenico confirmed on Wednesday. Earlier this year the series was compelled to scrap its April rounds in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Over the weekend the governing body announced that the Bahrain Grand Prix, originally set for early spring, will now be staged in Malaysia in October.

That change has cast a shadow over the remaining Middle‑Eastern fixtures – the Qatar Grand Prix (scheduled for 27‑29 November) and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (4‑6 December) – raising questions about whether they can still be held at their intended venues. Domenico told reporters he remains optimistic that the calendar will stay as published, but stressed that a final decision will not be taken until the mid‑September deadline, giving the organization the maximum time to assess how the situation evolves. "We are in constant contact with the other championships," he said.

"For instance, the World Endurance Championship has already announced it will not finish the year in the Middle East and will remain in Europe. Our approach is to wait until the middle of September to make a definitive call." He added that, as of today, the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races are still confirmed, but if the security or logistical picture does not improve before the cut‑off date, the season will be wrapped up in Europe. The logistical nightmare created by "Brexit‑related documentation" means that Europe is the only realistic alternative for the final two rounds, although several circuits could potentially step in.

Domenico said the series is keeping its options open but declined to name any specific venue, noting that it would be premature to make promises. "If the Middle‑East events become impossible, we will finish the championship in Europe because we have no other viable locations at this stage," he explained. "There are a few possibilities on the table, but I don’t want to speculate at this point." One of the circuits that has been mentioned in the media is Italy’s historic Imola track. Domenico described Imola as "an option, but not yet defined" as a replacement venue.

It is conceivable that Imola, perhaps alongside another European circuit, could host the two displaced races, allowing F1 to preserve as much of its 24‑race programme as possible. At present the calendar has been trimmed to 23 events after the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was dropped. Racing in Europe in late November or early December does raise concerns about cooler weather, yet Domenico pointed out that the temperature expected in Europe at that time is actually milder than the climate the series will face in Las Vegas earlier in November.

He highlighted that the Las Vegas Grand Prix will likely be hotter than the European venues, but the series is also mindful of not diluting the prestige of the Las Vegas event by adding a second race there. "We considered a double‑header in Las Vegas, but we don’t want to undervalue a race that is still growing in stature, especially when it would clash with the NFL season in the United States," he said.

"The NFL draws massive audiences, and we need to avoid competing directly with that major sporting spectacle." The potential reshuffle could have ramifications for the championship battle. Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli currently enjoys a 50‑point lead over Ferrari’s veteran Lewis Hamilton, with twelve races left on the schedule.

Any alteration to the venue or timing of the final rounds could affect team strategies, tyre allocations, and even the psychological momentum of the drivers. Fans can look forward to the season’s return after the summer hiatus with a Sprint weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix from 21‑23 August, all of which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1.

The network also offers a streaming option via NOW, allowing viewers to watch without a long‑term contract and cancel at any time. In summary, while the 2026 Formula 1 calendar remains largely intact, the uncertainty surrounding the Middle‑East finale means that a European conclusion is a distinct possibility. The sport’s leadership will monitor the geopolitical climate closely and make a definitive decision by mid‑September, ensuring that the championship can be completed safely and competitively, whether that means racing under the lights of Abu Dhabi or the historic straights of an Italian circuit.