Formula One officials are preparing for the possibility that the 2026 season’s final races in the Middle East may be canceled amid ongoing regional conflict. Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula One Group, said the calendar could conclude with races in Europe if the scheduled events in Qatar and Abu Dhabi do not proceed as planned.

The two Middle Eastern rounds—set for November 29 in Qatar and December 6 in Abu Dhabi—are currently under review due to security concerns stemming from the escalating conflict between the United States and Iran, which began in February. Earlier this year, F1 had already canceled the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grand Prix events in April because of the same regional tensions.

Domenicali indicated that the sport is monitoring the situation closely but will wait until mid-September before making a final decision on whether the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races can take place. “We will take the maximum time to see how the situation develops; we won’t decide before the middle of September,” he said.

To mitigate any disruption and maintain the planned total number of 23 races, F1 has incorporated a new round in Malaysia, scheduled for October. Organizers have also prepared contingency plans to ensure the championship’s calendar remains intact despite potential cancellations.

In response to speculation about the Las Vegas Grand Prix hosting two events next year, Domenicali firmly dismissed the notion, emphasizing that there will be no duplicate races at the venue.

The situation reflects the challenges F1 faces in balancing global expansion ambitions with geopolitical realities. The season’s conclusion is traditionally anchored by Middle Eastern rounds, but ongoing security concerns may alter that pattern in 2026. Organizers are continuing to assess conditions to safeguard the safety of teams, personnel, and fans while striving to preserve the sport’s comprehensive global calendar.