Where Should F1 End the Season if Middle East Races Are Cancelled?

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has confirmed that a contingency plan is in place should the final two races of the season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi be forced into cancellation due to the ongoing war between Iran and the United States/Israel. While those events are still six months away, the sport is determined not to let a once-24-race calendar shrink below 22 after the earlier loss of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

Why it matters:

The Middle East rounds traditionally close the F1 season, offering guaranteed warm weather and purpose-built facilities. Losing them would force a late scramble for suitable venues—and the options, given November/December climates and existing commitments, are limited. Where F1 lands could affect championship narratives, fan access, and commercial viability.

The details:

• North America remains the strongest candidate. Las Vegas (which precedes the Middle East races) could host a double-header if the final weekend is moved. Austin's COTA would be available five weeks after its October 25 GP, but ticket demand may be weak. Miami's Hard Rock Stadium has NFL games on both potential free dates (Nov 29 and Dec 13), likely ruling it out. Mexico City runs its GP on Nov 1, leaving too tight a turnaround.
• Europe offers two possible backups: Portimão and Istanbul. Both circuits are officially returning to the calendar in 2027 after serving as pandemic-era hosts in 2020-21. The weather would be variable—think Canadian GP levels of cool and rain—but manageable.
• Asia/Pacific options are scarce. Suzuka and Shanghai are ruled out by climate. Kuala Lumpur's Sepang International Circuit hasn't hosted F1 since 2017, despite recurring rumors of a comeback. It could theoretically work, but rebuilding infrastructure and arranging logistics in months is a tall order.

What's next:

Domenicali has stated that Las Vegas "won't be the last race on the calendar" if the Middle East races fall through, suggesting at least one replacement will be found. The most plausible path is a double-header in Vegas, or a standalone event at Portimão or Istanbul. Expect a decision within the next few months as the geopolitical situation clarifies.