F1 to decide by mid-September on European season finale if Middle East war forces Qatar and Abu Dhabi cancellations

Uncertainty over Gulf finale

Two season-ending races in Qatar on November 29 and Abu Dhabi on December 6 remain on the calendar but are under threat from the conflict that began when the United States and Israel went to war with Iran. Bahrain and Saudi Arabia grands prix were already cancelled in April. Domenicali told reporters on Wednesday that the current status is confirmed and the events are sold out.

“For us today, the races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi are confirmed. By the way, they are already sold out. That is an incredible sign of how much the sport is bigger than the problem that our world is living.”

Mid-September deadline for decision

Domenicali set the timeline for a final call. "That moment will not be before the middle of September," he said. If the situation does not clear by then, F1 will switch to a European plan.

“If this will not be possible, the end of the season will be in Europe, because we cannot go in other places.”

Imola emerges as frontrunner

The Imola circuit in Italy, absent from the 2026 calendar, is the leading candidate to host the finale if Europe replaces the Middle Eastern races. Domenicali confirmed Imola was among options but gave no further specifics. Portugal's Portimao and Turkey's Istanbul, both set to return in 2027, are undergoing renovations and are not immediate alternatives.

A second Las Vegas race ruled out

F1 considered staging two consecutive races in Las Vegas, the week after the already scheduled November 21 event. Domenicali rejected the idea, citing competition from the NFL and logistical constraints, including the need for teams to return to the UK for Brexit-related documentation.

“There was a possibility of having two races in Las Vegas, but we don't want to ruin, let me put it this way, a jewel that is growing by undervaluing what we are doing there.”

Wider motorsport impact

The World Endurance Championship already moved its final rounds from Qatar and Bahrain to Barcelona and Monza. MotoGP's Qatar round and the WRC's season-ending Rally Saudi Arabia in November also remain uncertain. Domenicali said F1 has contingency options for the 2027 calendar, whose publication is due in the autumn.

Malaysia steps in for Bahrain

A deal announced last week sees Malaysia's Sepang circuit host a race on October 4 as a replacement for Bahrain, with the Gulf kingdom covering most costs. A brief ceasefire had opened the possibility of restoring Bahrain, but renewed hostilities scuttled that plan. The season now stands at 21 confirmed grands prix.