Stefano Domenicali confirmed that there is a “contingency plan” in case it becomes necessary to cancel the Middle East GPs, in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, which close the Formula 1 season.
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In March, the category was forced to cancel the rounds in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, in April, due to the war in the Middle East. This left a gap of more than a month without races and reduced the calendar from 24 to 22 races.
And although the region has been under a ceasefire since April, the region remains in a volatile state of flux. In fact, according to RacingNews365, it was reported that the organizers of the two canceled races were pushing for a return to the world championship as early as 2026.
While F1 continues to monitor the situation, more races may be at risk: Qatar and Abu Dhabi, on November 29 and December 6. And Domenicali, CEO of the category, stated that a decision will have to be made, and still according to RacingNews365, the executive has until the summer holidays and a race can be included on October 4.
“Just like with Covid, we have to try to be as pragmatic as possible. The fact that we canceled the Bahrain and Jeddah races so far is because we know it would not be possible to go there at that moment. Mainly because we are entertainment, a sport that brings joy and pleasure,” Domenicali told L’Equipe.
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“You have to go to a place where that atmosphere is really the same. We hope, for Formula 1, but mainly for the world, that the situation improves as quickly as possible. The promoters in Qatar and Abu Dhabi are already selling tickets, and sales are going very, very well. But the time will come when we will have to make decisions, because it is not like a football match, where there are only two teams, 22 players, and where substitutions are easy. For us, there is logistical complexity, costs,” he continued.
Domenicali also pointed out that rescheduling both races “is impossible” and that “even rescheduling just one will not be easy,” as “there are not many available slots.”
The date of October 4, however, is possible. “I can confirm that we have a contingency plan. And if the two end-of-year races cannot take place because the war has not ended, we will have other alternatives.” But one thing is certain: Las Vegas will not close the season. “No, it will not be the last race on the calendar,” he said. “I can confirm that.”
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