LONDON — Stefano Domenicali, the president of Formula 1, said the current season for the international open-wheel series could end in Europe if the war in the Middle East affects races planned to take place in Qatar and Abu Dhabi at the conclusion of the schedule.
However, Domenicali said a decision won’t be made before mid-September.
“For us today, the races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi are confirmed,” he said in comments published on F1’s website after last weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix. “But of course, if the situation will not be cleared the way that we believe it should be, before the middle of September, we will take the decision. And in that respect, I just want confirm to you that if this will not be possible, that the end of the season would be in Europe.”
Domenicali did not say where exactly the final two races would be held if those in Qatar (currently set for Nov. 29) and Abu Dhabi (Dec. 6) are canceled.
F1 already called off races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia during the spring because of safety concerns related to the war in Iran. The Bahrain GP was rescheduled for Oct. 4, but it will take place in Malaysia.
Looking at the 2027 schedule, Domenicali said: “So far, the calendar that will be presented, let’s say in autumn, it would be as a sort of normal plan. But of course, in the case that the situation in the Middle East would be not solved, we have options.”
Domenicali added that in any case, plans remain to have 24 grand prix races next year.
The Hungarian GP was the last race before the annual planned midseason break, with the series returning to action in the Dutch GP on Aug. 23.
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli is atop the F1 season standings with a 50-point lead over second-place Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari.