The 2026 Formula One calendar could see its concluding rounds moved back to Europe if the planned Grand Prix events in Qatar and Abu Dhabi prove impossible to stage because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, F1 chief Stefano Domenico confirmed on Wednesday. The sport’s leadership has already been forced to reshuffle the early part of the season, scrapping the April races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
In a recent announcement the Bahrain Grand Prix was reassigned to Malaysia for an October slot, underscoring the volatility that the series now faces. Bahrain’s inability to host its race in October has raised fresh doubts about whether the final two events – the Qatar Grand Prix slated for 27‑29 November and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix set for 4‑6 December – can proceed as scheduled.
Domenico told reporters that, while the current calendar remains in place for the time being, the organization will wait until the mid‑September deadline to make a definitive call based on how the geopolitical situation evolves. "We are still in contact with the other championships," Domenico said.
"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 monitor the situation and then decide at the appropriate moment – not before mid‑September." He added that, as of now, the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races are still confirmed, but if clarity does not emerge by the set deadline, the series will relocate the finale to Europe. The logistical and regulatory complications stemming from "Brexit‑related documentation" make Europe the only realistic alternative, though several venues are under consideration. "If the Middle‑East events cannot happen, the season will close in Europe because we simply cannot go elsewhere at this stage," Domenico explained.
"There are a few possibilities on the table, but I prefer not to make promises or jump to conclusions at this point." Speculation has already focused on Italy’s historic Imola circuit as a leading candidate should a European replacement be needed. Domenico described Imola as "an option, but not yet defined" as a backup venue. It is conceivable that Imola, possibly alongside another European track, could host the final two rounds, allowing Formula 1 to retain as many of the originally planned 24 races 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 colder weather, yet Domenico noted that the temperatures expected for a European finale would actually be milder than those anticipated for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, which takes place earlier in November. He highlighted that climate variability makes precise forecasts difficult, and that the sport must also consider broader environmental trends.
The idea of adding a second Las Vegas race was briefly entertained but ultimately dismissed. Domenico warned that duplicating the event could diminish its prestige and pit Formula 1 against the massive popularity of the NFL, which dominates the American sports landscape during that period.
"If we look at the temperature statistics, Europe at that time is cooler than Las Vegas during its race weekend," he said. "We cannot guarantee what the weather will be like, and with climate change the uncertainty is even greater. There was a chance to run two races in Las Vegas, but we do not want to devalue a jewel that is still growing in stature." He also emphasized the need to avoid direct competition with the NFL, noting that many fans in the United States will be watching football games, and Formula 1 does not want to be eclipsed by that massive audience.
Any alteration to the schedule could have ramifications for the championship battle. At the moment, Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli leads the drivers' standings by 50 points over Ferrari’s veteran Lewis Hamilton, with twelve races still to run. A shift of the final two events to Europe could affect team strategies, travel logistics, and even the psychological momentum of the title contenders.
The 2026 season will resume after the summer break with a sprint weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix from 21‑23 August, and all sessions will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1. Fans can stream the coverage via NOW with a flexible, contract‑free subscription, and stay updated through Sky Sports’ WhatsApp channel for the latest news, videos, and analysis.
In summary, while the current plan keeps the Qatar and Abu Dhabi rounds on the books, the F1 hierarchy is prepared to relocate the season’s climax to Europe should the Middle‑East situation remain unresolved by mid‑September. Options such as Imola are being evaluated, but no final decision has been made. The series aims to preserve as much of its ambitious 24‑race schedule as possible, balancing sporting integrity with safety, logistical feasibility, and the broader commercial landscape.