F1 season may end in Europe if Middle East races are canceled
4 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Jul 29, 2026, 12:32 PM
Last updated Jul 29, 2026
Formula 1 president Stefano Domenicali announced that the 2026 season will finish in Europe if the conflicts in the Middle East prevent the final races from occurring in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. He stated that a decision will be made by mid-September, with Imola in Italy as a strong candidate for the closing event if relocation is necessary. Previously, the league canceled races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia due to ongoing regional tensions, and Malaysia will host a race in September to fulfill schedule requirements. Domenicali confirmed there are contingency plans in place for future races, ensuring a targeted number of events across 24 countries next year.
- •2026 F1 championship could conclude in Europe.
- •Decision on races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi is due by mid-September.
- •Imola circuit in Italy is a likely venue for the final race.
- •Malaysia will host a race to replace canceled events in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
- •Contingency plans ensure 24 races are targeted for next year's calendar.
- 1:10 PMESPN F1 — F1 calendar to finish in Europe is 'only possibility'
- 11:04 AMYahoo Sports — Season to end in Europe if war continues - F1 boss
- 11:04 AMBBC Sport — Season to end in Europe if war continues - F1 boss
"The 2026 Formula 1 season will end in Europe in the event the final two scheduled races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi need to be relocated because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, F1 president Stefano Domenicali has confirmed.
"Formula 1 president Stefano Domenicali says the 2026 championship will end in Europe if the conflict in the Middle East makes it impossible to hold the season-closing races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
"Formula 1 president Stefano Domenicali says the 2026 championship will end in Europe if the conflict in the Middle East makes it impossible to hold the season-closing races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
Sources
External links- ESPN F1Jul 29, 2026, 1:10 PMF1 calendar to finish in Europe is 'only possibility'
Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali has said the championship is prepared to finish the 2026 season in Europe -- even if it means a race in the snow.
- Yahoo SportsJul 29, 2026, 11:04 AMSeason to end in Europe if war continues - F1 boss
Formula 1 president Stefano Domenicali says the 2026 championship will end in Europe if the conflict in the Middle East makes it impossible to hold the season-closing races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
- BBC SportJul 29, 2026, 11:04 AMSeason to end in Europe if war continues - F1 boss
Formula 1 president Stefano Domenicali says the 2026 championship will end in Europe if the conflict in the Middle East makes it impossible to hold the season-closing races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
- Sky Sports—F1 season to end in Europe if Middle East unable to host final rounds
The 2026 Formula 1 season will end in Europe in the event the final two scheduled races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi need to be relocated because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, F1 president Stefano Domenicali has confirmed.
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