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

What the report says

Al Jazeera, citing Reuters, reported that Formula One is preparing a European finish to the 2026 season if its planned races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi cannot proceed because of the US-Israel war on Iran. F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali said on Wednesday that the sport will wait until mid-September before deciding whether to alter the calendar. For now, he said the Qatar and Abu Dhabi grands prix remain confirmed and have sold out.

The Qatar race at Lusail International Circuit is scheduled for November 29, with Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit due to stage the season finale on December 6. Domenicali said that if those events cannot be held, F1 would not seek alternative venues outside Europe. He confirmed that Italy’s Imola circuit is among possible replacement options, although the report noted concerns about late-season weather.

The uncertainty follows earlier calendar disruption in the region. Al Jazeera reported that races planned for Saudi Arabia and Bahrain in April were cancelled because of the conflict, and Bahrain’s round is now set to be hosted by Malaysia’s Sepang circuit on October 4, with Bahrain covering most costs. The FIA-sanctioned World Endurance Championship has also shifted its final Qatar and Bahrain rounds to Barcelona and Monza.

Domenicali also addressed future scheduling, saying F1 still aims to publish the 2027 calendar later this year and maintain a 24-race target. He said Portugal and Turkiye are expected to return next year, while longer-term discussions continue with potential hosts in Africa, Asia and South America.