F1 Confirms No Second Las Vegas Race as Middle East Uncertainty Lingers

Formula 1 has officially ruled out holding a second race in Las Vegas this season, opting instead to end the championship in Europe if the planned Middle East rounds cannot proceed. The decision comes amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the final two races of the 2026 season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi due to the resumption of hostilities in the region.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, F1 CEO and president Stefano Domenicali confirmed that a decision on the Qatar Grand Prix (November 29) and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (December 6) would not be taken until mid-September, giving the sport "maximum time" to assess the security situation.

Why Las Vegas Was Rejected

When asked about the possibility of another United States race to replace the Middle East rounds, Domenicali was unequivocal: "I can guarantee that we will not do any other race in the U.S."

Although F1 had considered running a second Las Vegas event, likely over the Thanksgiving weekend when the Qatar GP is currently scheduled, several factors led to the decision against pursuing it:

• NFL Competition: "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 U.S.," Domenicali explained.
• Administrative Requirements: F1 needs to return to the UK to complete Brexit-connected documentation from abroad before proceeding to another location.
• Protecting the Brand: "There was a possibility of having two races in Las Vegas. But we don't want to ruin, let me put it in this way, a jewel that is growing by undervaluing what we are doing there."

Las Vegas joined the F1 calendar in 2023, with the F1 organization investing over half a billion dollars to create the grand prix. Earlier this year, the race's contract was extended through 2037.

Malaysia Returns as Bahrain Replacement

In a surprising twist, Malaysia will host a race on October 4, officially titled the "Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia." The race will slot between the events in Azerbaijan and Singapore, filling the gap left when Bahrain was initially canceled in March following the outbreak of the Middle East conflict.

The Sepang International Circuit, which last hosted F1 in 2017, has retained its Grade 1 certification with the FIA, allowing it to step in without requiring major work. The track has continued to host MotoGP motorcycle races since losing its F1 race.

The unusual naming arrangement reflects the financial and diplomatic solution reached between the Malaysian and Bahraini governments. Bahrain still gets its name on a grand prix, having taken on much of the financial commitments, while Malaysia can test F1's popularity again with a greatly reduced financial outlay.

Malaysia's return appeals to F1's desire to tap into the growing Asian market, currently served by races in China, Japan, and Singapore. Kuala Lumpur is around a one-hour flight from Singapore, reducing logistical challenges for teams.

Imola Emerges as Season Finale Frontrunner

If the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races cannot proceed, F1 has confirmed the season would end in Europe. Imola in Italy is currently the front-runner to host the season finale, with Istanbul Park in Turkey and Portimão in Portugal also under consideration.

By December, Imola only has an average high temperature of around 8°C (46°F), which would make for one of the coldest races of the season. However, Domenicali noted this was not significantly different from the temperatures for the night race in Las Vegas.

"I think the weather should allow us to race in Europe, even at the beginning of December," he said.

The choice of Imola carries added appeal given that Italian driver Kimi Antonelli is leading the F1 world championship, and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali is from Imola. The track ran its final contracted edition of the Emilia Romagna GP last May and recently hosted the WEC season-opener.

Financial Stakes and Calendar Impact

The cancellation of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia races, originally scheduled for April 12 and April 19, has significant financial implications. Each round pays a hosting fee that bolsters not only F1's revenues but also the prize money distributed to teams at year-end.

Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are two of the highest-paying races on the calendar, with fees reportedly worth in excess of $50 million per year. Getting either race back on the 2026 calendar would help limit the possible dent to these payouts.

With Malaysia confirmed and the Middle East situation still fluid, the 2026 season currently stands at a provisional 23 races—only one shorter than originally planned if Qatar and Abu Dhabi can proceed as scheduled on November 29 and December 6.

What Comes Next

F1 is working on contingencies for stand-in races if the Middle East rounds cannot go ahead. Both races are currently sold out, and the sport's intention remains to race in Qatar and Abu Dhabi as planned.

Realistically, F1 has until early October to make a final decision before teams must know where their freight intended for those races must be sent. The organization could take an earlier call if it decides the paddock would benefit from certainty about how the season will finish.

For now, the F1 community can look forward to an unexpected but welcome return to Sepang in October, while waiting for clarity on how the 2026 championship will conclude.