F1 confirm 'contingency plan' for 2026 grand prix calendar

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has confirmed there is "a contingency plan" in place should the season-ending Middle East grands prix in Qatar and Abu Dhabi be cancelled.

In March, F1 was forced to cancel the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix that were due to take place in mid-April due to the Iran-United States/Israel war that commenced at the end of February.

Although a ceasefire has been in place since early April, the region remains in a state of volatile flux, preventing major sporting events from being staged.

RacingNews365 reported that organisers of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races, the latter in particular, were pushing for a return to the calendar, with a potential vacancy between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix being eyed.

Whilst F1 has continued to monitor the situation in the Middle East, its hands are effectively tied until a definitive peace is finally declared. In turn, this is placing considerable doubt on the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races on November 29 and December 6.

Domenicali has confirmed that a decision will need to be made in good time. RacingNews365 understands he has until the summer break in August to decide whether, initially, a race can take place on October 4.

 "As with Covid, we have to try to be as pragmatic as possible," said Domenicali, speaking to L'Equipe.

"The fact that we’ve withdrawn the Bahrain and Jeddah races so far stems from the fact that we knew it wasn’t possible to go there at the time. Especially since we’re entertainment, a sport that brings joy and pleasure.

"You have to go to a place where that’s truly the atmosphere. We hope, for Formula 1 but especially for the world, that the situation improves as quickly as possible.

“Promoters in Qatar and Abu Dhabi are already selling tickets, and sales are going very, very well. But there will come a time when we have to make decisions, because it’s not like a football match where there are only two teams, 22 players, and where substitutions are easy. For us, there’s the logistical complexity, the costs."

Domenicali has stated that rescheduling both races "is impossible", and that "even rescheduling just one won’t be easy" as "there aren’t many available slots".

The October 4 slot is possible, however. He added, "I can confirm that we have a contingency plan. And if the two end-of-year races cannot take place because the war is not over, we will have other alternatives."

One thing is certain: the Las Vegas Grand Prix on November 22 will not be the curtain-closer.

"No, it won’t be the last race on the calendar," he said. "I can confirm that."