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.
94 Articles
94 Articles
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.
The end of the Formula 1 season is threatened with the resumption of bombings in the Middle East on Wednesday 29 July. Traditionally, the races of the end of the calendar take place in Qatar, then in Abu Dhabi. The...
Domenicali confirmed that if the situation in the Middle East does not improve until mid-September, the last races of the time will be held in Europe. Imola emerges as a favorite.
Formula 1 director Stefano Domenicali stated that the 2026 championship will end in Europe if, due to the conflict in the Middle East, it is not possible to hold the final races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
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