Domenicali confirms F1 contingency plan as Qatar and Abu Dhabi face uncertainty – Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has confirmed the sport has prepared alternative plans for the final races of the 2026 season, should ongoing geopolitical tensions prevent events in Qatar and Abu Dhabi from taking place.
The warning follows the earlier cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, breaking news this website reported on ahead of the mainstream media from our sources in Bahrain in March, as security concerns in the Middle East continue to disrupt the championship calendar.
The 2026 season resumes this weekend in Miami after an unusually quiet April, with no races taking place due to instability in the region. The cancellations were not the result of scheduling changes but were forced by escalating conflict, with several Middle Eastern nations—key fixtures on the F1 calendar—caught in rising tensions and recent missile attacks.
Bahrain and Saudi Arabia cancellations highlight wider risks
The removal of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix created immediate logistical and financial consequences for Formula 1 teams and organisers. While some operational costs such as travel and accommodation were avoided, the loss of race-related revenue has had a greater negative impact overall.
Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane explained to AutoRacer that missing two events ultimately harms the financial balance, despite short-term savings. The situation is further complicated by rising fuel and freight costs, which are directly linked to instability in the Middle East and are putting additional pressure on teams operating under the budget cap.
These cost increases are being felt across the paddock, particularly given Formula 1’s global travel demands. The sport’s reliance on complex logistics means any disruption in key regions has a cascading effect on operational planning and expenditure.
End-of-season races now under scrutiny
The focus has now shifted to the final stretch of the 2026 calendar, where Qatar and Abu Dhabi are scheduled to host the closing rounds following the Las Vegas Grand Prix in November. However, the viability of those races will depend on how the geopolitical situation develops in the coming months.
Domenicali confirmed that Formula 1 has set an internal deadline to decide whether the races can proceed as planned or if alternative venues will need to be activated.
“We had to cancel the first two races, which were in Bahrain and Jeddah, but of course now we have to wait because we have the two races at the end of the year, namely Qatar and Abu Dhabi,” Domenicali told CNBC.
“So, as you can imagine, we have to wait and see. We have a deadline by which we have to decide whether the situation will allow us to go. We hope so, as you can imagine, for the bigger picture. But on the other hand, it is our duty, as a global sport, to have an alternative option ready. And that is what we have, of course.”
Timing and logistics complicate any replacement plan
The decision deadline is expected to fall around late September, coinciding with the conclusion of the European leg of the season. This timeline is critical, as any replacement venues would need sufficient preparation time for logistics, ticket sales, and operational setup.
Finding suitable alternatives presents significant challenges. Races at that stage of the calendar must take place in regions with favourable weather conditions, ruling out many traditional European circuits due to colder temperatures. Additionally, freight costs and travel efficiency remain key considerations, particularly given the already strained logistics environment.
The calendar structure—positioned immediately after Las Vegas—further limits viable options, making any last-minute changes complex and potentially costly.
Rising costs add further pressure on F1 operations
Beyond the calendar uncertainty, Domenicali also highlighted the growing financial strain caused by increasing fuel and logistics expenses, which have surged due to the ongoing crisis.
“As I was saying, now the biggest impact on our business is really the increase in fuel and logistics costs,” he said. “You know, we are a global sport and we travel all over the world. These are the main challenges we face today.”
These rising costs are becoming a defining issue for Formula 1 as it navigates both geopolitical instability and the constraints of the budget cap era.
Bottom line for Formula 1 2026
The situation underlines Formula 1’s growing exposure to global political and economic conditions, particularly as the sport continues to expand into regions with complex geopolitical dynamics. With multiple races now affected, the need for flexible scheduling and contingency planning has become critical.
The decisions made in the coming months will not only determine how the 2026 season concludes but could also influence how future calendars are structured to mitigate similar risks. For a sport built on precision and planning, adaptability is quickly becoming just as important.
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With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
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