Formula 1 has officially discarded the option of hosting a double-header event in Las Vegas to replace the season-ending Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix. Despite rumors suggesting a two-race schedule along the Las Vegas Strip, series CEO Stefano Domenicali clarified that the championship will not dilute the Las Vegas Grand Prix and will look toward European alternatives if changes are required.
Uncertainty regarding the final leg of the 2026 calendar stems from ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Earlier this season, F1 adapted by reassigning the postponed Bahrain Grand Prix to Sepang, Malaysia, scheduled for October 2–4. However, the status of Lusail (Qatar) and Yas Marina (Abu Dhabi) remains under evaluation.
“That decision will not happen before the middle of September. So for us today, the races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi remain confirmed,” Domenicali stated. “In fact, tickets are already sold out, which is an incredible sign of how the sport is bigger than the problems our world is facing. But if the situation is not clear in the way we believe it should be by mid-September, we will take a decision.”
While Las Vegas promoter Emily Prazer previously indicated readiness to support an extra race, F1 opted against holding a second round on American soil. Should Qatar and Abu Dhabi be deemed unviable, F1 plans to evaluate a European finale rather than modifying the North American leg.
Formula 1 action continues this weekend with the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix at Circuit Zandvoort. GRANDE PRÊMIO covers all track activities live with reporter Leonid Kliuev. Follow all paddock updates on our news page.
Remaining 2026 F1 Calendar (Selected Rounds)
| Round | Grand Prix | Circuit | Date |
| R12 | Dutch Grand Prix | Circuit Zandvoort | August 23 |
| R13 | Italian Grand Prix | Monza Circuit | September 6 |
| R14 | Spanish Grand Prix | MADRING Sur (Madrid) | September 13 |
| R15 | Azerbaijan Grand Prix | Baku City Circuit | September 26 |
| R16 | Bahrain Grand Prix (Malaysia) | Sepang International Circuit | October 4 |
| R17 | Singapore Grand Prix | Marina Bay Street Circuit | October 11 |
| R18 | United States Grand Prix | Circuit of the Americas | October 25 |
| R19 | Mexico City Grand Prix | Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez | November 1 |
| R20 | São Paulo Grand Prix | Interlagos Circuit | November 8 |
| R21 | Las Vegas Grand Prix | Las Vegas Strip Circuit | November 21 |
| R22 | Qatar Grand Prix | Lusail International Circuit | November 29 (Subject to review) |
| R23 | Abu Dhabi Grand Prix | Yas Marina Circuit | December 6 (Subject to review) |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
1. Will Las Vegas host a double-header race in 2026?
No. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali officially ruled out a double-header event in Las Vegas, confirming the sport will look elsewhere if late-season changes are necessary.
2. When will F1 make a final decision on Qatar and Abu Dhabi?
F1 will evaluate safety and logistical conditions before rendering a final decision by mid-September.
3. Why is the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix being held in Malaysia?
Following the postponement of early-season Middle Eastern rounds, F1 reached an agreement with the FIA and local governments to host the Bahrain GP at the Sepang International Circuit in October.
