F1 Calendar Under Threat:Qatar and Abu Dhabi Races Could Be Cancelled

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali’s comments in Zandvoort that the “calendar is confirmed” should not be interpreted as confirmation that a final decision has been made regarding the final two Grands Prix of the 2026 season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. Instead, the statement reflects the championship’s current intention to proceed with the races as scheduled.According to The Race, Formula 1 could be forced to cancel both the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix if the conflict between the United States and Iran remains unresolved by the end of September. Should that scenario arise, the season finale could be relocated to Imola in December, two weeks after the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Formula 1 has previously considered a similar contingency plan.The uncertainty could also have implications for the 2027 Formula 1 calendar. The publication of the provisional schedule has been delayed, creating difficulties for organisers and circuits seeking to begin ticket sales. If the situation in the Middle East fails to improve by the end of September, Formula 1 may also have to reconsider its plans for the opening rounds of the 2027 season.Under the current schedule, the 2027 campaign is due to begin with back-to-back races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, on 14 and 21 March respectively. The championship would then travel to Australia for the 4 April round, followed by Japan on 11 April and China on 18 April.However, if the Middle Eastern races cannot take place as planned, Formula 1 could begin the 2027 season with the Asian rounds in China and Japan in March. Moving the Australian Grand Prix to an earlier date is not considered a viable option, as construction work on a new pit building at Albert Park is expected to continue until the event’s scheduled April date.The coming weeks could therefore prove crucial for Formula 1, with the situation in the Middle East potentially influencing both the conclusion of the 2026 season and the structure of the 2027 championship calendar.