Biggest obstacle to European F1 finale pinpointed: 'The risk is too high'

Just a few days ago, Domenicali revealed that Formula 1 expects to make a final decision by the middle of September if the situation in the Middle East has not become clearer by then. He also confirmed that, should changes prove necessary, the replacement venues would be based in Europe. As a result, the 2026 season finale would move away from the Middle East and instead take place at a European circuit.

Speaking on the Red Flags podcast, Steiner questioned the idea of ending the Formula 1 season in Europe, arguing that racing in November or December would carry too great a weather-related risk. He also stressed that any replacement venue would need to make financial sense for the teams rather than simply adding another event to the calendar.

Steiner added that Malaysia had been included as a contingency option to ensure the championship could still stage more than 20 races if necessary. However, he believes it would be difficult for Formula 1 to find a suitable 22nd venue at that stage of the year, despite Domenicali's preference to maintain a calendar of at least 22 Grands Prix.

Stefano Domenicali has insisted Formula 1 is continuing to work towards a standard 2027 calendar despite the uncertainty surrounding the Middle East. However, the Formula 1 CEO confirmed that contingency plans are already in place should the ongoing conflicts make it impossible to race in the region next season.

Domenicali explained that the championship still has plenty of time to assess the situation before any final decisions need to be made. He also stressed that, if conditions in the Middle East do not improve, the wider humanitarian situation would be far more significant than the impact on Formula 1. Regardless of the outcome, he made clear that the sport has alternative options prepared and remains committed to staging a 24-round calendar in 2027.