Domenicali: F1 has 'alternatives' if Qatar and Abu Dhabi are at risk

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has confirmed the sport is preparing contingency plans should the final two races of the 2026 season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi be canceled due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Despite a fragile ceasefire since April, the region remains volatile, forcing F1 to consider alternatives after already losing Bahrain and Saudi Arabia earlier this year.

Why it matters:

The late-season double-header in Qatar (Nov 29) and Abu Dhabi (Dec 6) has traditionally closed the calendar, but the risk of cancellation could upend championship battles and logistical planning. With ticket sales reportedly strong, F1 must balance optimism with pragmatism to avoid last-minute chaos.

The details:

• Domenicali told L'Equipe that F1 is being "as pragmatic as possible" and has a contingency plan with "other alternatives" ready if the war persists.
• Rescheduling both races is impossible due to a packed calendar, and even moving one event is difficult. An October 4 slot is possible, but tight.
• The F1 boss emphasized the logistical complexity: "It's not like a football match… we have the logistical complexity, the costs."
• One certainty: the season will not end in Las Vegas. "No, it won't be the last race," Domenicali assured.
• Promoters in Qatar and Abu Dhabi continue selling tickets, with sales going "very, very well," but a decision deadline looms.

What's next:

Domenicali's message is clear: F1 is planning ahead but remains at the mercy of geopolitical events. Fans should expect a final decision within weeks, with potential replacements likely from Europe or Asia. For now, the scheduled finale holds – but it's not guaranteed.