Jul.30 (GMM) Stefano Domenicali says Formula 1 will not repeat its relocated Bahrain GP solution for Saudi Arabia, Qatar or Abu Dhabi, confirming that any disrupted season finale would instead move to Europe.
Malaysia will stage the postponed Bahrain GP at Sepang in October, but Domenicali says transferring the identities of other Gulf races to foreign circuits cannot become standard practice.
“We’re creative enough to come up with interesting solutions and keep the calendar alive,” the Formula 1 CEO said.
“But I don’t think this can be our approach in the long run. We have to be credible and consistent.”
The Saudi Arabian GP remains postponed, while the continuing Iran conflict has also placed the scheduled Qatar and Abu Dhabi rounds at serious risk.
Domenicali says Formula 1 hopes to make a final decision by mid-September.
“If it’s not possible to race there, the season will end in Europe,” he said. “We can’t go to other parts of the world.”
Imola – Domenicali’s birthplace – is among the leading alternatives and could host Formula 1’s first European finale since Jerez in 1997.
“Imola is in the possibilities, but it has not yet been determined that it will be Imola,” Domenicali said.
“Only after the deadline will we announce where a possible European race will be organised.”
Portimao, which is already scheduled to join the calendar in 2027 and 2028, is another option.
Domenicali dismissed concerns that an early-December race at Imola would be too cold or vulnerable to rain and fog. “Interestingly, the statistics show that the average temperature in Europe at this time of year is higher than in Las Vegas when we race there,” he said.
“There are no guarantees today because of climate change. We can only hope that it won’t snow. Pirelli is not yet ready for winter tyres, although they may have to star working on them soon.”
Las Vegas was considered as a possible double-header solution, but Domenicali ruled it out.
“I can guarantee that we will not hold another race in the United States,” he said.
“The possibility of holding two races in Las Vegas has arisen, but we do not want to undervalue an event that has become a real jewel in the racing calendar.”
He also said Formula 1 must also avoid competing directly with the NFL during that part of the year.
“It is an extremely popular sport with a huge audience, so we must avoid any situation that would put us in direct competition.”
Join Grand Prix Tours in Austin, Texas for the high-energy 2026 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Experience nonstop action on one of Formula 1’s most exciting tracks, featuring dramatic elevation changes, thrilling overtakes, and a packed race weekend. Off the track, enjoy a festival atmosphere with live music, world-famous BBQ, and buzzing nightlife. Your Grand Prix Tours package includes a fully curated race weekend, highlighted by exclusive access to our private F1 Celebrity Talk Show, where guests gain insider insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives. With demand soaring and this event quickly becoming a modern American racing tradition, now is the time to secure your spot for an unforgettable Austin Grand Prix experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
There are motorsport events, and then there is the Indianapolis 500, the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Next year marks Grand Prix Tours' 42nd Indianapolis 500 tour and our decades of experience and local connections provide exclusive access that few fans ever enjoy, including police escorts on race day, a Dallara IndyCar Factory tour, Gasoline Alley and Legends Day, the Driver Introduction Ceremony, and a private dinner with former Indy driver Derek Daly. Combined with excellent hotel accommodations, seamless event planning, and Grand Prix Tours' signature service, this is far more than a race weekend; it's a once-in-a-lifetime motorsport experience. With tour spaces limited each year, we encourage you to reserve your place early for the 111th Indianapolis 500.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience Formula 1 at its most iconic with an unforgettable trip to the 2027 Grand Prix de Monaco. Feel the excitement as the world’s best drivers race through the legendary streets of Monte Carlo, surrounded by superyachts, Mediterranean views, and the unmistakable glamour of Monaco. From incredible race viewing to carefully selected accommodations, Grand Prix Tours brings you closer to the action at one of the most prestigious and spectacular events in all of motorsport.
SHOW PACKAGES
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the ultimate test of speed, strategy, and endurance. Watch the world's top manufacturers battle for 24 nonstop hours in one of motorsport's most prestigious events. With Grand Prix Tours handling your accommodations, transfers, and ticket options, all that's left is to experience this unforgettable bucket-list race.
SHOW PACKAGES
Feel the roar of Formula 1 at its spiritual home. Silverstone is one of the fastest and most demanding circuits in the world, where brave overtakes, lightning-fast direction changes, and flat-out commitment separate the best from the rest. Combined with the electric atmosphere created by hundreds of thousands of passionate fans, the British Grand Prix delivers a race weekend unlike any other.
SHOW PACKAGES