Formula 1 will conclude the 2026 season in Europe if the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix cannot take place, Stefano Domenicali has confirmed. Imola is among the alternatives being considered, although the two Middle Eastern rounds remain on the calendar and a final decision is not expected before the middle of September.
Following official confirmation that the Bahrain Grand Prix will be relocated to Malaysia’s Sepang circuit, the 2026 Formula 1 calendar has returned to 23 scheduled races. However, significant uncertainty still surrounds the traditional season-ending double-header, with the Qatar Grand Prix set for 29 November and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix scheduled for 6 December.
Stefano Domenicali confirms European backup plan for 2026 F1 finale
Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali addressed the situation during an interview with Motorsport.com. He confirmed that both Middle Eastern races currently remain on the schedule and have already sold out, but the championship will continue monitoring developments before making a definitive decision.
“We will take all the time necessary to assess how the situation develops, and a decision will be taken at the appropriate moment, which will not be before the middle of September. As of today, therefore, the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races are confirmed,” Stefano Domenicali said.
The deadline provides Formula 1 with more time to evaluate whether the two events can proceed safely while also preparing a practical alternative. Fans can follow the championship’s remaining rounds through the updated Formula 1 results and calendar.
F1 would finish the season in Europe if Middle East races are cancelled
If Qatar and Abu Dhabi are removed from the calendar, Formula 1 has made clear that it will not search for replacements located far from the teams’ European bases. Instead, the 2026 championship would conclude in Europe.
“I can already confirm that, if it is not possible to hold the final two races in the Middle East, the season will end in Europe because we do not have any viable alternatives in other parts of the world. That is the current situation,” Stefano Domenicali explained.
Imola is among the circuits under consideration, although no decision has been formalised. The Italian venue represents one of the available possibilities, but the Formula 1 chief did not provide further details about how a replacement circuit would ultimately be selected.
The circuit had already emerged as a possible candidate to return to the schedule, with previous discussions examining whether Imola could replace a cancelled Middle Eastern round. Its location would simplify travel and freight operations for teams based primarily in the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
Stefano Domenicali responds to concerns about December weather
The prospect of concluding the Formula 1 season in Europe during December has inevitably raised questions about low temperatures and potentially difficult weather. Stefano Domenicali responded by referring to historical precedents and average temperature data.
“If we look at the statistics for average temperatures in Europe at that time of year, we find that in many cases it is less cold than Las Vegas during the period when we race there. These are objective figures, and you can check them. Naturally, nobody can know for certain what the weather will be: today, with climate change, it is becoming increasingly difficult to make predictions. Of course, we hope it does not snow.”
Stefano Domenicali also recalled a previous event at the Nürburgring affected by snow and rain. He joked that Pirelli is not yet prepared with snow tyres, but maintained that holding a European Grand Prix at the beginning of December would be feasible.
Even so, winter conditions would represent a considerable operational and technical challenge. A previous Ferrari test offered an indication of the potential difficulties of racing at Imola in December, particularly in terms of track temperature and tyre behaviour.
Formula 1 rules out a fourth United States race
Stefano Domenicali categorically ruled out adding another race in the United States to conclude the season. He explained that Formula 1 wants to protect the growing status of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, while logistical and market considerations also make an additional American event impractical.
“I can guarantee you one thing, however: we will not organise another race in the United States. There was also the possibility of holding two races in Las Vegas, but we do not want to, if you will allow me the expression, devalue a jewel that is developing so well.”
The Formula 1 chief also noted that the NFL dominates the American sporting market during that period. At the same time, the need for teams and equipment to return to the United Kingdom, complete customs procedures and then travel again would make another US round extremely complicated.
Europe is therefore considered the only realistic solution if Formula 1 needs to replace the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix or establish a different venue for the final race of the championship.
Middle East uncertainty also affects the 2027 F1 calendar
Regional instability is also influencing preparations for 2027, when Bahrain and Jeddah were initially expected to host the opening two races. Stefano Domenicali said Formula 1 intends to present a calendar based on normal conditions during the autumn, while keeping several alternative scenarios ready.
“The calendar we will present in the autumn will, let us say, be the one planned under normal conditions. Naturally, if the situation in the Middle East is not resolved, we already have several alternative scenarios prepared. The final decision, however, will have to be taken towards the end of the year.”
The target of holding 24 Grands Prix in 2027 remains achievable because Formula 1 has prepared enough alternative options. Portugal and Turkey are set to return to the calendar, while negotiations over a possible African event are progressing well. Discussions are also taking place in South America and the Far East.
Further details of the provisional structure, including the planned 24 rounds, are available in the 2027 Formula 1 calendar.
“We receive numerous applications, but we have a very solid foundation on which to build the future and, looking at least as far ahead as 2028–2029, the stability of the calendar is extremely strong. There are nevertheless new venues that could become part of Formula 1, confirming that our sport continues to grow,” Stefano Domenicali concluded.
China and Japan have both expressed interest in hosting a second race. For now, however, Formula 1’s preference is to consolidate its existing markets before pursuing further expansion.
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