F1 Chief Says Season Finale Could Shift to Europe if Qatar, Abu Dhabi Races Are Affected by War
- On Wednesday, Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali announced the 2026 season could conclude in Europe if the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix are canceled due to the ongoing Middle East conflict.
- The ongoing US-Iran war forced the cancellation of scheduled rounds in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in April, prompting F1 to secure the Sepang circuit in Malaysia as an alternative venue.
- A 'middle of September' deadline for the final decision has been set, with Imola, Turkey, Portugal, and Hockenheim in Germany identified as potential European venues for the season's conclusion.
- Although the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races are currently sold out, Domenicali confirmed the sport maintains contingency plans should the regional situation deteriorate further.
- For 2027, the sport intends to maintain a 24-race calendar, with ongoing negotiations for new host countries in Africa, Asia, and South America progressing positively.
116 Articles
116 Articles
F1 prepares European contingency plans as Middle East uncertainty looms
Formula One is preparing backup plans for the final races of the season, with European circuits on standby if safety concerns force the cancellation of the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix.
F1 considers Imola, Portimao, and Brands Hatch as 2026 season finale alternatives
Formula 1 faces mounting uncertainty over its 2026 season finale as geopolitical instability in the Middle East casts doubt on the planned Abu Dhabi and Qatar races. Stefano Domenicali, F1 CEO, confirmed that the sport’s leadership is seriously considering alternative venues, acknowledging the precarious situation that threatens to disrupt the traditional closing events of the championship. Rather than truncating the season or settling for a dou…
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has confirmed that a decision will have to be made in mid-September on the fate of the season's conclusion. If the US-Israeli war with Iran continues, the season will have to end in Europe.
Does Formula 1 return to Germany? F1-Boss Domenicali has some hope, but not for the near future. For the 2026 season finale, the racing series has a plan if the Iran war continues.
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