Domenicali confirms: Europe is F1's alternative for Middle Eastern races

Speaking to the international media, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali confirmed that, as of now, the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix will proceed as planned. At the same time, the Italian acknowledges that, due to the situation in the Middle East, it remains highly uncertain whether that will still be the case.

“If the situation will not be clearer the way that we believe it should be before middle of September, we will make the decision,” Domenicali said.

What is clear for Formula 1 is that the alternative circuits for these rounds are in Europe. He continued: “In that case, the end of the of the of the season will be in Europe, because we cannot go to other places. So the season finale will eventually be in Europe. There are some possibilities on the table, but I don't think it's right to make some promises or anticipate certain things. That's the situation as of now.”

Domenicali confirmed that Imola is one of the options. “Where the European race will be hosted, Imola is in the basket, but is not defined as Imola. It is the place,” said the Italian, who appeared to be referring to a story GPblog published on Tuesday about the chances of that weekend being held under a different name as well.

Critics argue that it could be too cold to hold a Grand Prix in Europe at the end of November, but Domenicali does not believe that will be an issue. “If I look at the temperature statistics in Europe during that period, it is less cool than the average temperature in Las Vegas while we are racing there. These are the numbers, I'm just telling you what we can share. No one knows what the temperature will be or what the weather will be like.”

One thing that is certain, in any case, is that Formula 1 will not add an extra race in the United States. “Of course, in that period of the year we are fighting in the U.S. against the NFL. That is a major sport. A lot of fans are watching that, so we need to avoid any kind of situation that would put us in front of something that, of course, is still very big in the US.”