F1 prepares emergency scenario, 2026 season could be closed in Europe if Qatar and Abu Dhabi are canceled

Formula One (F1) is starting to prepare a backup scenario if the security situation in the Middle East does not improve. The option prepared is to end the 2026 season in Europe if the F1 Grand Prix of Qatar and Abu Dhabi are forced to be canceled.

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said the decision on the last two races of the season would be made by mid-September 2026.

"For now, the races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi remain confirmed, but of course if the situation has not improved as we hope before mid-September 2026, we will make a decision," said Domenicali.

Currently, the Qatar F1 Grand Prix race is scheduled to take place on November 29, 2026 and the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix on December 6, 2026 is still on the official calendar.

Domenicali emphasized that if the situation does not allow for the two races to fail for the title, then Formula 1 already has an alternative plan.

"In that case, I want to emphasize that if the race is not possible, then the end of the season will take place in Europe," he said.

This uncertainty emerged after the conflict in the Middle East impacted the Formula 1 racing calendar. Previously, the F1 Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grand Prix were canceled at the beginning of the season following the outbreak of war between Israel and the United States against Iran.

Domenicali also dismissed speculation that Formula 1 would add a race at the Circuit of the Americas, Texas, or hold two consecutive series in Las Vegas to close the schedule gap.

"There is a possibility of holding two races in Las Vegas, but we do not want to damage a growing asset by reducing its value through such a decision," he said.

He further said that Formula 1 must also consider the competition for public attention in the United States during that period because it coincides with the NFL (American football) competition season.

"In addition, we must also not forget that during that period we had to compete for public attention in the United States with the NFL," he said.

Until now, Formula 1 has not revealed the European circuit that has been prepared as a replacement. However, a number of reports say the Imola Circuit is the strongest candidate to host the season-ending series if the conflict in the Middle East has not subsided.