F1 warned over calendar 'risk' as major deadline approaches

Former Haas F1 boss Guenther Steiner has stated it would be a “risk” for the sport to end the season at a European venue.

F1 has been forced into action with its race calendar this year after the outbreak of war in the Middle Eastern region, with the early-season Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix postponed.

Bahrain has since been reinstated to an early October date; however, the race itself will be held around the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia.

Steiner highlighted that F1 was restricted in what locations it could travel to in an effort to fill up more spots on the calendar.

“It's just difficult because there aren't many race tracks we can which can pull this off,” he told the Red Flags podcast.

“This was only possible because Bahrain helped.”

Qatar and Abu Dhabi are currently pencilled in to host the final two rounds of the year, but there are major question marks over their ability to stage an event as unrest continues in the region.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has already confirmed that the season will end with a European race should it be unable to return to the Middle East this year.

But with Europe entering its cold winter months during that time, Steiner doesn't see how such a grand prix weekend would be feasible.

“In Europe, in November and December time, there's no point to race,” he said. “The risk of the weather is too high.

“And then you need to go somewhere where it makes sense for the teams to go there, that they are not just losing money. 

“There needs to be an income as well. It's a business. So I think it will be difficult. 

“They did that one, they did Malaysia to make sure that there are at least over 20 races. 

“For sure, Stefano ideally would want at least a minimum of 22, but I just think it's difficult to find a 22nd place to go at the end of the year.”