As Formula 1 approaches a crucial decision regarding the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix, Günther Steiner believes that a European finale would be far from ideal.
Read more Why F1 stops for two weeks every summer: the «shutdown» rules explained
Uncertainty continues to hang over the 2026 Formula 1 season finale. Due to the conflict affecting the Middle East, the continuation of the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix remains dependent on the evolution of the geopolitical situation.
While Stefano Domenicali has already confirmed that a backup solution in Europe is ready if necessary, this option does not convince everyone. Former Haas director Günther Steiner believes such a decision would carry significant risks, notably due to weather conditions.
A season disrupted by the Middle East conflict
The 2026 calendar has already been deeply reshuffled after the postponement of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix, initially scheduled at the start of the season.
Since then, Formula 1 has found an original solution to preserve the number of rounds: the Bahrain Grand Prix will finally be held in early October… but at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia, while keeping its official name.
For Günther Steiner, this solution mainly illustrates the lack of alternatives available to the sport.
“It’s not simple, because there aren’t many circuits capable of hosting a Grand Prix under such conditions.”
According to him, this operation was only possible thanks to the cooperation of the Bahraini organizers.
“This solution could only come about because Bahrain accepted this formula.”
A European finale far from ideal
At this stage, Qatar and Abu Dhabi are still on the calendar to conclude the season.
But if the security situation does not improve in the coming weeks, F1 could be forced to organize the last round in Europe. Stefano Domenicali has set mid-September as the deadline to make a definitive decision.
Read more Prince Bernhard sells his shares in Zandvoort before the last Dutch Grand Prix
Steiner, however, strongly doubts the viability of such an option.
“In Europe, at the end of November or early December, it doesn’t make much sense to race.”
The Austrian notably points out the weather risk.
“The weather risk is far too high.”
At this time of year, temperatures, rain, or even fog could severely disrupt the running of a Grand Prix on most European circuits.
An economic challenge as well
Beyond sporting issues, Steiner reminds that a Grand Prix must also be financially viable.
Organizing a race in a place where attendance would be limited or where costs would exceed revenues would, in his view, have no interest.
“Teams also need an economic reason to go there. This sport remains above all a business.”
The former Haas boss therefore believes that finding a circuit capable of hosting a round at the end of the year, with favorable climate and a viable economic model, is a real headache.
Finding a 22nd race will not be easy
According to Steiner, Formula 1 has already achieved an important operation by rescheduling the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia to ensure a sufficiently full calendar.
He imagines, however, that Stefano Domenicali would like to keep at least 22 Grands Prix this season, a goal that could become difficult to achieve if Qatar and Abu Dhabi were ultimately canceled.
“I think it will be very complicated to find another circuit to host a 22nd round at the end of the season.”
Formula 1 still has several weeks before having to make a final decision. If the situation in the Middle East does not improve by mid-September, the leaders will have to quickly activate their plan B, with the challenge of finding a European circuit capable of hosting the championship under acceptable conditions.
Read more Haas boss admits: «It’s my fault» after the team’s drop in Formula 1