F1 to end season in Europe if no Middle East races

Formula 1's chief executive, Stefano Domenicali, has stated the sport will conclude its season in Europe if the scheduled races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi cannot proceed. The sport has set a mid-September deadline to make any necessary adjustments to the calendar, which has already seen disruptions.

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We will take the maximum time for us to see how the situation will develop and we will take the decision at the right time

Original races in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, slated for April, were canceled due to the war in Iran. Malaysia's Sepang circuit is now set to host one of these events on October 4. The World Endurance Championship (WEC) has also relocated its final two rounds from Qatar and Bahrain to Barcelona and Monza.

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The deadline for the decision of any possible change of the actual calendar ⁠is the middle of September.

Domenicali confirmed that Qatar and Abu Dhabi races are currently still on the calendar and are sold out. However, he acknowledged contingency plans are in place, with European circuits like Imola being considered as potential replacements if Middle East events become unfeasible. The sport aims to maintain a 24-grand prix schedule for the upcoming year, with ongoing negotiations for potential new venues in Africa and Asia.

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For us today, the races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi ‌are confirmed. By the way, they are already sold out