Cancellation of Qatar and Abu Dhabi draws nearer; an alternative is ready

Formula 1 still officially keep both Qatar and Abu Dhabi races on the calendar, but due to the war in the Middle East, it has long been uncertain whether both races can go ahead. Stefano Domenicali previously made it clear that the premier class would take until around mid-September to make a final decision on the matter. He also indicated that the season finale would be organised in Europe if the two races in the Middle East cannot take place.

GPblog had already reported that Imola is seriously being considered for a race if F1 cannot travel to the Middle East at the end of the season. There is not yet complete certainty about a return to the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari. However, in the week after the Italian Grand Prix, more clarity is expected about whether the races in the Middle East will go ahead and whether Imola will indeed get a place on the revised calendar.

Meanwhile, the situation in the Middle East remains unstable. The United States carried out new strikes on Iranian targets on Sunday. This prolongs the military conflict that had already affected the Formula 1 calendar earlier this year.

The Grands Prix of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia did not take place earlier this season due to the war, although the Bahrain GP will still be held at an alternative location: Malaysia. The races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi have also been under discussion for quite some time. The new attacks underscore that the security situation in the region has still not stabilized.

The possibility of ending the season in Europe does not come out of the blue. In his earlier remarks, Domenicali also pointed to the World Endurance Championship. That series decided to replace its races in Qatar and Bahrain with European rounds due to the situation in the Middle East. Formula 1 is keeping a similar option in reserve for the final two Grands Prix.