F1 President and CEO, Stefano Domenicali has iterated that no decision on the final two rounds of the 2026 F1 season will be taken until mid-September.
Qatar and Abu Dhabi are scheduled to host the final two rounds of the season on 27-29 November and 4-6 December respectively, but several racing categories have cancelled planned events in the Middle East scheduled for later this year – with FIA World Endurance being the most high-profile cancellation.
This is due to the ongoing conflict in the region which saw the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix scheduled for April cancelled a month prior, whilst the trip to Bahrain was too cancelled but has now been rescheduled for 2-4 October albeit hosted in Malaysia on Bahrain’s behalf.
With F1 approaching its two-week summer shutdown following last weekend’s Hungarian GP won by McLaren’s Lando Norris, Domenicali has now iterated that discussions are taking place with no decision expected until mid-September.
“With regards to the end of the season, we are in touch with all the other championships,” explained the Italian. “The way that we are structured is that we will take the maximum time for us to see how the situation will develop, and we will take the decision at the right time.
“That moment will be not be before the middle of September. For us today, the races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi are confirmed.
“But of course, if the situation will not be cleared the way that we believe it should be, before the middle of September, we will take the decision.”
Domenicali added that if Qatar and Abu Dhabi are cancelled then the season finale will take place in Europe at an unidentified location yet to be decided.
“And in that respect, I just want confirm to you that if this will not be possible, that the end of the season would be in Europe.”
Should the finale indeed be held in Europe, Imola is thought to be the frontrunner given that local driver, Andrea Kimi Antonelli is leading the championship at present, whilst Portimão, Portugal, is considered the alternative favourite in terms of temperature and impact on F1 cars in colder European conditions.
Mugello, Hockenheimring and Nürburgring are not thought to be in contention despite being popular tracks with fans and having stepped in to host F1 races in the past.
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