A mid-September decision looms
Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali has set a mid-September deadline to determine if the races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi can proceed amid the ongoing conflict between the US-Israel and Iran. Domenicali stressed that while the two Gulf states are scheduled to host on November 29 and December 6, the current situation remains fluid and could impact the final races of the season.
If both events are canceled, the season is expected to shift to Europe due to the lack of viable alternatives at such a late stage. He noted that the sold-out status of the current events may not change the decision if the conflict escalates further.
Precedents are already in place
Earlier in the year, the races in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain were canceled due to the same tensions and have since been moved to Malaysia and other circuits. Bahrain reportedly covers most of the financial costs for the relocation. Additionally, the World Endurance Championship, which is sanctioned by the FIA, has already shifted its last two races from Qatar and Bahrain to Barcelona and Monza in October and November, respectively.
Domenicali confirmed the dates for Qatar and Abu Dhabi remain as scheduled. However, if the region remains unstable, Formula One has alternatives in mind. He added that the trigger point for any change would likely occur closer to the end of the year, meaning there is still time to assess the evolving situation.
Imola and Las Vegas as potential replacements
Italy’s Imola circuit, located near Domenicali’s birthplace and home to Ferrari and Mercedes’s top driver Kimi Antonelli, is being considered as a possible replacement for the Middle East races. The track, which was dropped from this year’s calendar, has resurfaced as a top candidate despite concerns about weather conditions in late autumn.
Las Vegas was also briefly considered as a two-race finale due to its growing popularity. However, Domenicali ruled out the idea, citing the need to preserve the city’s racing appeal and avoid conflicts with the NFL season. “We don’t want to ruin a jewel that is growing,” he stated, emphasizing the balance between opportunity and sustainability.
The 2027 Formula One calendar remains unpublished, but before the conflict began, Bahrain was expected to return as the season opener in March, replacing Australia. Domenicali noted that the final calendar will be published later this year but acknowledged the ongoing discussions about potential changes if the situation in the Middle East doesn’t improve.
“We still have a lot of time,” Domenicali added, though he emphasized that maintaining 24 grand prix races next season remains a key objective. The current plan is to retain momentum while exploring all possible scenarios.
New races are also set to return in Portugal and Turkey for the upcoming season. On a longer-term basis, discussions are ongoing with potential hosts in Africa, as well as expressions of interest from Asia and South America.
China and Japan have shown particular interest in expanding their Formula One presence. However, Domenicali noted that the organization plans to keep just one race in China for now to focus on strengthening its market before any further expansion. This approach reflects the strategic balance between opportunity and market development.