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F1 eyes European season end, adds Sepang race

7/29/2026

26 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Stefano Domenicali said the 2026 season will end in Europe if the Qatar (Nov 27-29) and Abu Dhabi (Dec 4-6) races cannot be held.
He will decide by mid-September whether to alter the calendar.
Imola in Italy is being examined as a possible replacement, though no venue is fixed.
A one-off race at Malaysia’s Sepang circuit will run on Oct 4, filling the Bahrain slot.

History

Historical Context

In 2005 the United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis collapsed after fourteen Michelin-shod cars withdrew, leaving only six Bridgestone-equipped starters and prompting FIA president Max Mosley to tighten tyre rules and stress calendar flexibility. Six decades later, 2026 F1 chief Stefano Domenicali is weighing a move of the season finale to Imola or Sepang as Qatar and Abu Dhabi races face scheduling uncertainty.

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Story summary

Stefano Domenicali said the 2026 season will end in Europe if the Qatar (Nov 27-29) and Abu Dhabi (Dec 4-6) races cannot be held.
He will decide by mid-September whether to alter the calendar.
Imola in Italy is being examined as a possible replacement, though no venue is fixed.
A one-off race at Malaysia’s Sepang circuit will run on Oct 4, filling the Bahrain slot.

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