F1 is exploring several options to replace the last races on the calendar if Qatar and Abu Dhabi cannot take place.
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Formula 1 faces a real logistical equation as the last two rounds scheduled in Qatar and Abu Dhabi could be threatened. Despite a season initially built around 24 Grands Prix, the organization wants to avoid a reduction of the calendar if the geopolitical situation prevents the holding of these events.
The F1 management, through Stefano Domenicali, has confirmed that a backup plan exists if the last two races were to be canceled. A statement that immediately opened the door to many speculations about circuits capable of replacing a championship finale.
The goal is clear: to avoid a scenario where the season would be cut short by several rounds, after already the cancellations of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia earlier in the year. F1 wants to maintain a minimum of sporting and commercial continuity, even if geopolitical constraints remain uncertain.
An uncertain end to the season
If the calendar were to be modified, the dates concerned would be November 29 and December 6. In the worst case, only the last race would need to be replaced. But climatic and logistical constraints greatly reduce the available options at this time of year.
Domenicali also insisted that Las Vegas, which precedes these two races, would not necessarily be the last round of the season, implying that a reorganization remains possible, including with a sequence of races.
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North America as the most realistic solution?
Among the alternatives considered, North America appears to be the most credible option. Austin and Miami are cited as potential options thanks to still acceptable weather conditions at this time.
However, these choices are not without complications. Austin has just hosted the United States Grand Prix at the end of October, which raises questions about the commercial viability of a return so soon. On the Miami side, constraints related to Hard Rock Stadium, occupied by NFL games, strongly complicate the organization, possibly leaving only one usable date.
Mexico, Europe, and Asia: limited options
Mexico City could also be considered, but the proximity to its early November race makes a quick reorganization difficult. In Europe, options are almost non-existent, even if Portimão and Istanbul remain circuits mentioned due to their recent history in F1.
Winter weather conditions exclude many Asian destinations such as Suzuka or Shanghai. A theoretical exception remains Kuala Lumpur, but the circuit has not hosted F1 for nearly ten years.
At this stage, F1 remains in a phase of observation and anticipation. If the Middle East races were indeed canceled, finding a coherent replacement in an already saturated calendar would prove particularly complex.
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