F1 season to end in Europe if Qatar, Abu Dhabi unable to host due to war

Formula One's leadership has established a mid-September decision point regarding the viability of hosting final-round races in the Middle East, according to Liberty Media-owned F1's Chief Executive Stefano Domenicali. The sport currently confirms both Qatar and Abu Dhabi events remain on the calendar, with both races already sold out. However, contingency planning is underway should regional circumstances prevent either race from proceeding.

If Qatar or Abu Dhabi cannot host their scheduled events, the season will shift entirely to European venues rather than relocate to alternative international locations. Domenicali indicated that Italy's Imola circuit stands among the leading replacement options, though weather conditions at that time of year present a consideration. The executive noted that Las Vegas, another potential venue, experiences temperatures comparable to or colder than European circuits in November, yet F1 prefers not to expand its presence there given the circuit's growth trajectory and scheduling conflicts with the NFL season.

The decision timeline reflects broader uncertainty affecting the Middle East racing calendar. Earlier in the year, races scheduled for Saudi Arabia and Bahrain were cancelled, with Malaysia's Sepang circuit subsequently hosting the Bahrain event in October. The FIA-sanctioned World Endurance Championship has already relocated its final two rounds from Qatar and Bahrain to Barcelona and Monza.

Looking ahead, Domenicali confirmed that Formula One intends to maintain a 24-race calendar for the coming season. Portugal and Turkey will join as new rounds, while longer-term expansion discussions continue with potential hosts in Africa, Asia, and South America. The 2027 calendar remains unpublished, though Bahrain had been expected to reclaim its traditional season-opening slot from Australia before the regional situation developed.