F1 confirms what will really happen if Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix are cancelled

F1 president Stefano Domenicali has confirmed what will happen if the two races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi are cancelled.

On Sunday, the Hungarian Grand Prix hosted the final race before the three-week summer break, with Lando Norris claiming his first victory of 2026.

An exciting race at the Hungaroring saw the defending champion finish ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli, who remains the runaway leader in the drivers' championship.

All eyes are now on the summer break as many drivers wait for their futures to be decided, and that isn't the only talking point dominating the headlines.

F1 has encountered several problems with the calendar, mainly due to the ongoing war between the US and Iran.

Earlier this year, the 24-race calendar was reduced to 22 when the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix - scheduled for April - were cancelled due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The Bahrain Grand Prix has since been rescheduled for October 4 at the Sepang track in Malaysia, with the country’s proximity to Singapore making it an ideal candidate to host the race.

A similar problem threatens the races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. They're scheduled to take place in November and December, but due to the conflict, the chances of the races going ahead at their planned locations remain in doubt.

Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix could take place in Europe

In an unprecedented move, the Abu Dhabi and Qatar Grands Prix could take place in Europe after the WEC (World Endurance Championships) confirmed they would not go ahead in the Middle East at the end of the year.

F1 president Stefano Domenicali referenced this as a possibility during an interview with Sky Sports on Wednesday, although he is still hopeful of the calendar remaining as it stands and they won't make a decision until mid-September.

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"With regard to the end of the season, we are in touch with all the other championships," Domenicali said. "And I know that, for example, WEC (World Endurance Championship) has announced that they will not go at the end of the year in the Middle East and they will stay in Europe.

"The way that we are structured is that we will take the maximum time for us to see how the situation will develop, and we will take the decision at the right time. That moment would be not before the middle of September.

"For us, today, the races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi are confirmed. But, of course, if the situation will not be clearer, the way that we believe it should be, before the middle of September, we will take the decision."

The chance of Qatar and Abu Dhabi races changing continents seems increasingly likely, and there is talk of the Portuguese Grand Prix and the Imola Grand Prix replacing both.

At this stage, that is only speculation, and it remains to be seen where in Europe the two races are held - if F1 decides to change the location in mid-September.