The 2026 Formula One calendar could see its closing chapters moved back to Europe should the planned finale in the Middle East become untenable, F1 chief Stefano Domenico confirmed on Wednesday. The possibility arises because the last two events – the Qatar Grand Prix, slated for 27‑29 November, and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, scheduled for 4‑6 December – are currently under threat from the ongoing conflict in the region.
If the situation does not improve, the series will look to European circuits as the only viable alternative, according to the sport's top executive. Domenico explained that the decision will not be rushed.
"We will keep the current calendar as long as possible," he told reporters, adding that the governing body will wait until its mid‑September deadline before making any definitive changes. "We are in contact with the other championships, and we will take the maximum time allowed to assess the situation and then decide at the appropriate moment – not before the middle of September." The need for a contingency plan stems from recent disruptions. Earlier this year, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix, both set for April, were cancelled due to the same regional instability. Over the weekend, the organizers announced that the Bahrain race would be relocated to Malaysia in October, a move that underscores the fluid nature of the 2026 schedule.
With Bahrain now off the calendar for its traditional slot, doubts have grown about whether the final two Middle Eastern rounds can still be held as planned. Domenico highlighted that, should the Qatar and Abu Dhabi events be forced to move, Europe is the only realistic destination because of "Brexit‑connected documentation" and the logistical challenges of transporting equipment to more distant venues on short notice. He noted that several European tracks are already being considered, though he stopped short of naming a definitive replacement.
"Imola is an option, but it is not defined yet," he said, indicating that the historic Italian circuit could be part of a dual‑venue solution designed to keep the season as close as possible to the intended 24‑race format. At present, the calendar has been trimmed to 23 races after the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was dropped.
The prospect of racing in Europe in late November or early December raises concerns about colder weather, but Domenico pointed out an interesting comparison: the Las Vegas Grand Prix, which takes place in early November, typically experiences lower temperatures than many European venues at the same time of year. "Statistically, Europe is milder than Las Vegas during that period," he explained, noting that climate variability makes precise predictions difficult. He also referenced the broader issue of climate change, acknowledging that unpredictable weather patterns add another layer of uncertainty to the planning process. There was also discussion about the possibility of adding a second race in Las Vegas to replace a Middle Eastern round.
However, Domenico dismissed the idea, emphasizing the risk of diluting the prestige of the Las Vegas event and of competing with the NFL, which dominates the American sports calendar in early November. "We do not want to undermine a jewel that is still growing," he said, stressing the importance of preserving the unique identity of each Grand Prix. If the calendar does shift, the change could have a tangible impact on the championship battle.
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli currently enjoys a 50‑point lead over Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, with twelve races remaining. A reshuffle of venues could affect team strategies, tire allocations, and even driver performance, especially if the replacement circuits favor different car characteristics than the original Middle Eastern tracks. Looking ahead, the season will resume after the summer hiatus with a sprint weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix from 21‑23 August.
All sessions will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, and fans can stream the coverage via NOW without a contract, canceling at any time. The series will continue to monitor the geopolitical situation closely, keeping teams, sponsors, and fans informed of any adjustments as the September deadline approaches. In summary, while the 2026 Formula One schedule remains largely intact, the final two rounds are on a conditional basis.
Should the conflict in the Middle East persist, the championship is prepared to conclude in Europe, with Imola and potentially another European venue under consideration. The decision will be taken after a thorough assessment in mid‑September, balancing logistical feasibility, contractual obligations, and the desire to preserve the integrity of the sport’s global spectacle.