The Formula 1 2026 season could end in a completely unexpected way, with the championship potentially moving its final races back to Europe if the scheduled Qatar Grand Prix and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix cannot be held.

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has confirmed that the sport is preparing a contingency plan due to ongoing security concerns in the Middle East. A final decision regarding the two closing rounds is expected by mid-September.

The current 2026 calendar places Qatar as the penultimate round on November 29, followed by the season finale at Abu Dhabi on December 6. However, uncertainty surrounding the region has forced Formula 1 to prepare alternative solutions.

Imola Emerges as a Possible Replacement Venue

One of the strongest candidates to replace the Middle Eastern races is the legendary Imola Circuit in Italy.

The historic track, officially known as Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari, has become one of the main options because of its experience hosting Formula 1 events and its location within Europe’s established motorsport infrastructure.

A European finale would represent a major change from the modern F1 calendar, which has increasingly moved toward overseas races in regions such as the Middle East, Asia, and North America.

Another possible alternative mentioned is Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, which has previously hosted Formula 1 races from 1999 until 2017.

Not the First Calendar Disruption in 2026

The 2026 season has already experienced major changes after the cancellation of the Bahrain Grand Prix and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix due to safety concerns linked to the situation in the Middle East.

Formula 1 has been forced to balance maintaining a 24-race calendar with ensuring the safety of teams, drivers, and personnel traveling around the world.

A Historic Return to Europe?

If Qatar and Abu Dhabi are removed, Formula 1 would experience another dramatic calendar reshuffle after years of expanding its global footprint.

A return to Europe for the season finale would also carry a strong nostalgic feeling, bringing the championship back to traditional motorsport territory where many legendary F1 battles took place.

For fans, an Imola finale could create a unique atmosphere — a classic European circuit hosting the final race of a new technological era in Formula 1.

However, for now, Qatar and Abu Dhabi remain officially scheduled, and Formula 1 will wait until September before making a final decision.

The 2026 F1 season may not only decide a world champion, but could also mark one of the most unusual calendar endings in modern Formula 1 history.