Stefano Domenicali has confirmed that Formula 1 could finish its season in Europe if the Grands Prix of Qatar and Abu Dhabi cannot be held.
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Formula 1 continues to closely monitor the evolving geopolitical situation in the Middle East.
While the Grands Prix of Qatar and Abu Dhabi are still on the 2026 calendar, Stefano Domenicali confirmed that a final decision regarding their holding will only be made in mid-September.
The CEO of F1 explained that the organization wants to wait as long as possible before making a decision.
“We will take as much time as possible to see how the situation evolves, then we will make the decision at the appropriate time.”
At this stage, both events remain scheduled and are even sold out.
“Today, the races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi are confirmed and they are already sold out. This is an incredible sign of the popularity of our sport despite the difficulties the world is facing.”
A championship end in Europe if necessary
If security conditions ultimately do not allow the two rounds planned in the Middle East to be held, Formula 1 will not look for a solution on another continent.
Stefano Domenicali confirmed that the season would then end in Europe.
“If the situation is not clear enough before mid-September and it becomes impossible to race in the Middle East, we will finish the championship in Europe. We cannot go elsewhere.”
The Italian executive however specifies that no decision has yet been made regarding the circuit likely to host this possible replacement round.
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Imola is among the options
For several weeks, the names Imola and Portimão have been circulating insistently as potential candidates.
Domenicali acknowledges that Imola is indeed among the possibilities being studied, without guaranteeing its return to the calendar.
“Imola is among the options, but nothing has been decided.”
He also insists that no change will be announced before the deadline set for mid-September.
“Before this deadline, nothing will change. If the situation does not allow us to confirm the races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, we will then announce where the European round will be held.”
No question of repeating the Bahrain Grand Prix case
This season, Formula 1 has already had to adapt its calendar by relocating the Bahrain Grand Prix… to Malaysia, while keeping its official name.
Stefano Domenicali believes, however, that this exceptional solution should not become a habit.
“We have shown that we can be creative to preserve the calendar, but this is not a viable long-term approach. We must remain credible and consistent.”
The executive hopes above all for a return to normal.
“I sincerely hope that the situation will allow the organization of the Grands Prix in the countries where they were initially planned. What we did with Bahrain and Malaysia was an exceptional solution, but, as a human being, I wish that the races can find their natural place again.”
Formula 1 therefore still has several weeks to assess the situation. If the security context does not improve, the 2026 championship could ultimately end on a European circuit, with Imola and Portimão among the most credible candidates.
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