Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali has confirmed that Europe will be the championship's back-up plan if the final two rounds of the 2026 season cannot be held in the Middle East.
The Qatar Grand Prix, scheduled for 29 November at Lusail, and the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina on 6 December are both in doubt as the war between the United States and Iran continues and shows signs of spreading to neighbouring countries.
With uncertainty mounting over both races, Domenicali said Europe would be the fallback, pointing to several permanent circuits on the continent that hold the FIA Grade One licence required to step in at short notice.
Imola, which last hosted Formula 1 in 2025 for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, has emerged as a likely candidate. The circuit's infrastructure remains up to date from last year's race, and Domenicali, who comes from the area, has indicated it is a realistic option. The Algarve in Portugal is another strong contender: Formula 1 is already due to return there in 2027, and December temperatures of around 17C would make it one of the warmer alternatives on offer.
Also under consideration are Jerez in southern Spain, where December temperatures can reach the low 20s, plus Hockenheim, Magny-Cours, Mugello, the Nürburgring and Paul Ricard. Motorland Aragon is the only Grade One track in Europe never to have hosted a grand prix.
The main obstacle is the weather. European circuits would be significantly cooler in late November and early December than their Middle Eastern counterparts, raising questions about tyres and track conditions for the energy-starved 2026 cars.
Formula 1 has not yet confirmed which European circuits would step in. The championship is due to race in Qatar on 29 November before the traditional Abu Dhabi finale on 6 December, unless events in the region force a last-minute switch to European soil.
Sources
- https://www.racefans.net/2026/08/02/where-in-europe-should-f1-race-if-the-final-two-rounds-cannot-go-ahead/
