Formula One Plans European Finale if Middle-East Races Are Cancelled

Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali announced that the 2026 World Championship will conclude in Europe if the scheduled Qatar Grand Prix (Nov 29) and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Dec 6) cannot be held because of the ongoing Middle-East conflict. The decision will be taken after “the middle of September,” giving the sport “maximum time” to assess the situation.

F1 Boss Signals European Finale if War Halts Middle East Races The Straits TimesNew York Times

• The Iran-United States hostilities that began in February forced the cancellation of the Saudi Arabia and Bahrain rounds that had been slated for April.

The Straits Times

• To preserve a full calendar, Formula One added Malaysia’s Sepang circuit, now set to host a race on Oct 4, with the Gulf kingdom covering most costs.

The Straits Times

• The Las Vegas Grand Prix, introduced in 2023 and extended through 2037, remains on the schedule for Nov 21 and is already sold out.

New York Times

• Nov 21 – Las Vegas Grand Prix (night race).

New York Times

• Nov 29 – Planned Qatar Grand Prix (sold out).

The Straits Times

• Dec 6 – Planned Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (sold out).

New York Times

• Oct 4 – Malaysia’s Sepang circuit race (added after April cancellations).

New York Times

• Ticket and hospitality sales for the Qatar and Abu Dhabi events represent “tens of millions of dollars” in revenue.

F1 Boss Signals European Finale if War Halts Middle East Races

• The World Endurance Championship (WEC) has already cancelled its own Middle-East season-ending rounds (Qatar 1812 km on Oct 24 and the 8 Hours of Bahrain on Nov 7), underscoring the logistical challenges posed by the conflict.

F1 Boss Signals European Finale if War Halts Middle East Races

• Imola, Italy – Domenicali listed the circuit as “in the basket” despite average December lows of around 8 °C (46 °F).

The Straits Times

• Istanbul Park, Turkey and Portimão, Portugal – Both are being evaluated but would require additional preparation to host a race on short notice.

New York Times

• “I can guarantee that we will not do any other race in the U.S.,” — Stefano Domenicali, CEO and president

New York Times

• “We will take the maximum time for us to see how the situation will develop and we will take the decision at the right time,” — Stefano Domenicali, CEO and president

The Straits Times

• “We will take the maximum time for us to see how the situation will develop,” — Stefano Domenicali, CEO and president

F1 Boss Signals European Finale if War Halts Middle East Races

• A firm deadline has been set for a calendar decision in “the middle of September.”

The Straits Times

• Formula One plans to publish the final 2026 schedule later in the year, with the 2027 calendar already earmarking new rounds in Portugal and Turkey and ongoing negotiations for future events in Africa, Asia and South America.

The Straits Times