F1 Prepares Backup Plan for Qatar and Abu Dhabi

Formula 1 has begun preparing alternative solutions for its planned 2026 season-ending Middle East races as geopolitical uncertainty in the region continues. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali confirmed the championship already has a “contingency plan” in place should the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix ultimately be unable to proceed.

The uncertainty follows Formula 1’s earlier cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix, originally scheduled for April. Regional conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel forced the championship to suspend racing activities in the area despite a ceasefire that has been in place since early April. However, the overall situation is still considered too unstable to guarantee the safe staging of major international sporting events.

In recent weeks, organisers in Bahrain and Jeddah have reportedly continued pushing for a possible return to the 2026 calendar. One option under consideration is a vacant slot between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix in October. Formula 1, however, is still waiting for greater political and security clarity before making a final calendar decision.

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Domenicali stressed that Formula 1 must remain pragmatic, similar to the operational approach used during the Covid-19 pandemic. The global logistics structure, operational costs, and transportation demands involved in moving teams and equipment across continents remain key factors behind the need for early calendar decisions.

“As with Covid, we have to try to be as pragmatic as possible,” Domenicali told 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“The fact that we’ve withdrawn the Bahrain and Jeddah races so far stems from the fact that we knew it wasn’t possible to go there at the time.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.”

Domenicali admitted Formula 1 cannot risk holding races in regions where the possibility of renewed escalation still exists. He also highlighted that Formula 1’s logistical complexity is significantly greater than many other global sports due to the movement of thousands of personnel, freight operations, and highly sensitive technical supply chains.

“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 and 22 players,” he said.

Domenicali further stated that rescheduling both races later in the year would be almost impossible because of limited FIA calendar availability. However, the October 4 slot remains a possible option if conditions improve in the coming months.

Although Formula 1 has not revealed which venues could potentially replace Qatar and Abu Dhabi, Domenicali confirmed that Las Vegas will not become the season finale if the two Middle East rounds are cancelled. The situation places Formula 1 and the FIA under increasing pressure to maintain calendar stability while protecting commercial certainty for teams, promoters, and global partners heading into the closing phase of the 2026 season.