Formula 1’s 2026 season finale is facing growing uncertainty as the ongoing US-Iran conflict continues to cast doubt over the scheduled Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has urged officials not to make a premature decision, insisting that the races should not be cancelled unless circumstances make it necessary. At the same time, he made it clear that the safety of drivers, teams and staff would remain the priority. Qatar is currently scheduled for November 29, followed by Abu Dhabi on December 6.
Behind the scenes, Formula 1 is already preparing for a possible contingency plan. Imola has reportedly been identified as a potential replacement venue on December 6 if the Middle Eastern races cannot go ahead, with a decision expected before the end of September because freight preparations for the final events will soon need to begin. The situation has become even more concerning after the World Endurance Championship cancelled its Qatar and Bahrain finales, while MotoGP is also reportedly preparing to abandon its Qatar event. Despite the uncertainty, F1 chief Stefano Domenicali has maintained that the calendar remains confirmed for now.
The disruption has also created complications for the 2027 schedule. Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are expected to feature prominently at the beginning of next season, but Formula 1 is reportedly examining alternative plans should racing in the region remain impossible. China could potentially become the opening round instead. Meanwhile, Malaysia is returning to the calendar on October 4 with financial backing from Bahrain, taking the championship to 23 scheduled rounds and ensuring F1 can still reach at least 22 races even if Qatar and Abu Dhabi are replaced by a single Italian event.
There is also fresh drama surrounding Red Bull’s young driver Isack Hadjar, who will miss another race as he continues recovering from a fractured wrist suffered during a training accident. Liam Lawson will therefore remain alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull, while Yuki Tsunoda gets another opportunity with Racing Bulls in Madrid. Tsunoda scored a point in Italy after finishing 10th, but his result could still be overturned if Audi successfully appeals the stewards’ decision over his unusual positioning during the red-flag restart. A 30-second penalty would drop him to 15th and promote Gabriel Bortoleto into the points.
Meanwhile, George Russell has found a small consolation after his championship hopes suffered another major blow. The Mercedes driver will receive his own dedicated grandstand at next year’s British Grand Prix, positioned around Farm with views toward the opening section of Silverstone. Russell is currently second in the 2026 standings but trails teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli by 66 points after losing out to the Italian in Monza despite starting 18 places ahead. With the title fight slipping away, Russell has admitted he is no longer focused on a comeback and instead wants to enjoy the remainder of the season and fight for as many race victories as pF1 IN CHAOS: Calendar Crisis Deepens as Rising Star Hit With Fresh Setbackossible.
