Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali has moved to reassure fans and stakeholders that it is preparing for every possible scenario at the end of the 2026 season, should it be forced to cancel the final two races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Circumstances forced dramatic calendar changes earlier this year after Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were removed from the schedule in March due to the war in Iran that escalated earlier in the year.
Although a ceasefire has held since April, the region remains fragile, leaving F1’s traditional late-season finale under a cloud of uncertainty.
With Qatar scheduled for November 29 and Abu Dhabi set for December 6, organisers are continuing preparations – and ticket sales are reportedly strong – but behind the scenes, Formula 1 is carefully weighing alternatives in case the situation deteriorates again.
F1 prepares for uncertain finale window
Domenicali has made clear that while optimism remains, the sport cannot afford to be reactive at the last minute, particularly given the immense logistical demands of modern Formula 1.
"As with Covid, we have to try to be as pragmatic as possible," said Domenicali in an interview with French daily L'Equipe.
"The fact that we’ve withdrawn the Bahrain and Jeddah races so far stems from the fact that we knew it wasn’t possible to go there at the time. Especially since we’re entertainment, a sport that brings joy and pleasure.
"You have to go to a place where that’s truly the atmosphere. We hope, for Formula 1 but especially for the world, that the situation improves as quickly as possible.
“Promoters in Qatar and Abu Dhabi are already selling tickets, and sales are going very, very well. But there will come a time when we have to make decisions, because it’s not like a football match where there are only two teams, 22 players, and where substitutions are easy. For us, there’s the logistical complexity, the costs."
The F1 boss also confirmed that rescheduling both races within the existing calendar is virtually impossible, with even shifting a single event presenting significant challenges due to a tightly packed schedule.
‘We will have other alternatives’
While the uncertainty continues, Domenicali stressed that Formula 1 is not leaving anything to chance, confirming that fallback options are already being prepared.
Domenicali has stated that rescheduling both races is impossible, and that "even rescheduling just one won’t be easy" as "there aren’t many available slots". The October 4 slot is possible, however.
"I can confirm that we have a contingency plan. And if the two end-of-year races cannot take place because the war is not over, we will have other alternatives,” he said.
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One certainty, however, is that the season will not conclude in Las Vegas, despite its high-profile position on the calendar.
"No, it won’t be the last race on the calendar," the F1 chief assured. "I can confirm that."
As Formula 1 continues to navigate an increasingly complex global landscape, Domenicali’s message is clear: the sport is planning ahead, but much depends on events far beyond the control of the paddock. For now, the finale remains scheduled – but not guaranteed.
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