Uncertainty for 2026 Season Finale
The Formula 1 2026 championship may conclude in Europe if ongoing conflict in the Middle East prevents the final races from being held in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. Stefano Domenicali, president of Formula 1, confirmed that a definitive decision regarding these races will be made by mid-September.
Domenicali stated that as of now, the races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi are confirmed and have already sold out, which he described as a significant indicator of the sport’s appeal. However, he emphasized that if the situation does not improve as expected, a decision will be taken before the middle of September. Should the Middle Eastern venues be unfeasible, the season would conclude in Europe, as other locations are not viable alternatives.
The sport has already faced disruptions due to the conflict, with the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia races, originally scheduled for April, having been cancelled. Malaysia has since stepped in to host a race in September on behalf of Bahrain, bringing the total number of grands prix to 21, which satisfies various commercial contracts. Despite this, Domenicali is keen to ensure there is another race after the Las Vegas Grand Prix on 21 November.
Contingency Plans and Venue Considerations
While Domenicali did not specify a European location for a potential final race, the Imola circuit in Italy is considered a strong possibility. He noted that there are multiple options within Europe, and while Imola is an option, it is not yet a defined replacement venue. Racing in Europe in late November or early December could present challenges with colder weather, but Domenicali highlighted that average temperatures in Europe at that time might be less cool than those experienced during the Las Vegas Grand Prix earlier in November.
The idea of hosting two races in Las Vegas was considered but ultimately dismissed. Domenicali explained that the aim was to avoid devaluing the growing event and to prevent direct competition with the NFL, a major sport in the US that attracts a large audience during that period. The logistical challenges posed by “Brexit-connected documentation” also make Europe the sole alternative for the final two races, according to Domenicali.
Any changes to the calendar could impact the title race, which is currently led by Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli, 50 points ahead of Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, with 12 scheduled rounds remaining. The Formula 1 season is set to resume after the summer break with a Sprint weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix from August 21-23.
Future Calendar and Engine Regulations
Looking ahead, the opening race for next year is expected to revert to Bahrain, following two years in Australia, due to the timing of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Domenicali confirmed that contingency plans are in place should the conflict persist into the next season. The calendar expected to be presented in autumn will follow a standard plan, but alternative options are prepared if the situation in the Middle East remains unresolved by the end of the year.
These alternative plans are designed to ensure that the target of 24 countries for next year’s calendar is maintained. The sport is also addressing engine regulations. This year’s engines, featuring a 50-50 split between internal combustion and electrical power, have drawn criticism from drivers for limiting their ability to drive at the limit, with two-time champion Fernando Alonso referring to fast corners as “charging stations.”
Domenicali, however, believes the new engines have been “super positive” for fans, who are focused on the action rather than the technical aspects. He acknowledged steps to reduce the effect of energy recovery on driving over the next two seasons and encouraged drivers to be constructive in their feedback. Discussions are ongoing for the next set of engine rules for 2030 or 2031, with the goal of simplifying regulations, reducing car weight, using sustainable fuel, and incorporating electrification to allow drivers to push harder. An outline plan for these future engine rules is expected by the end of this year.
Source: bbc.com
Priya Nair
Sports Reporter
