F1 Season Finale Uncertain – Possible Return to Europe

The 2026 Formula 1 calendar originally scheduled the season finale in Qatar on November 29 and Abu Dhabi on December 6. However, the ongoing war between the United States and Iran has cast doubt on these races. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has stated that a final decision on the season's conclusion will be made by mid-September.

If the situation in the Middle East does not improve, the last races could be held in Europe, with Imola in Italy emerging as a likely replacement. Domenicali noted that tickets for the Qatar and UAE rounds are already sold out, demonstrating that the sport stands above global issues, but the organization is prepared to adapt.

Before the planned Qatar race, drivers will compete in Las Vegas, USA. Organizers considered holding two consecutive races in Las Vegas but rejected the idea, as it would diminish the significance of a single event and coincide with NFL games in the United States.

Under the current schedule, the final European race is set for September 13 in Madrid, Spain. Due to the conflict, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix, originally scheduled for April, were already canceled; Bahrain will be replaced by Malaysia in September. F1 must hold at least 21 races to fulfill commercial agreements, and the Las Vegas race will mark exactly the 21st Grand Prix of the season. However, the management aims to add at least one more round.