Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali has confirmed contingency plans are in place to hold the season finale in Europe if Middle East Grands Prix cannot go ahead. Photo: AFP
Formula One has already shown it is prepared to adapt. Earlier this season, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix were cancelled because of security concerns linked to the conflict in the region.
Rather than reducing the number of races, F1 shifted the Bahrain GP to Malaysia's Sepang International Circuit on October 4, allowing the championship to remain on a 23 race calendar. But the conflict in the Middle-East has not quelled which brings the next challenge at the business end of the season.
The current schedule still ends with a triple header of Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi. However, Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali has confirmed the sport has drawn up contingency plans if the situation in the Gulf deteriorates further. A final decision will be made by mid September. If Qatar and Abu Dhabi are deemed unsafe to host, the championship will conclude in Europe instead.
Two circuits have emerged as the leading candidates. Portugal's Portimão and Italy's Imola are understood to be at the front of the queue, although F1 has not officially confirmed which venue would receive the races should the contingency plan be activated.
