London: Formula 1 president Stefano Domenicali says the current world championship could end in Europe if the conflict in West Asia affects races planned in Qatar and Abu Dhabi at the conclusion of the season.
Domenicali said a decision would not be made before mid-September.
“For us today, the races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi are confirmed,” he said in comments published on the Formula 1 website following last week's Hungarian Grand Prix.
“But of course, if the situation is not resolved in the way that we believe it should be before the middle of September, we will take a decision,” Domenicali added. “And in that respect, I just want to confirm to you that, if this is not possible, the end of the season would be in Europe.”
Domenicali did not say where exactly the final races planned in November and December would be held if those in Qatar and Abu Dhabi were cancelled.
Formula 1 has already called off races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia because of safety concerns related to the Iran conflict. The Bahrain Grand Prix was rescheduled to Malaysia for 4 October.
Looking ahead to the 2027 schedule, Domenicali said: “So far, the calendar that will be presented, let's say in autumn, will be a sort of normal plan. But of course, if the situation in West Asia is not resolved, we have options.”
He added that, in any case, the plan remains to have 24 Grands Prix next year.
Hungary was the last race before the mid-season break. The next race is the Dutch Grand Prix on 23 August.
Kimi Antonelli tops the standings with a 50-point lead over Lewis Hamilton.