Domenicali: No more GPs relocated like Bahrain.

      Stefano Domenicali has stated that Formula 1 will not utilize the same relocated Bahrain GP solution for Saudi Arabia, Qatar, or Abu Dhabi. Instead, he confirmed that any disrupted season finale would be moved to Europe. Malaysia will host the postponed Bahrain GP at Sepang in October, but Domenicali emphasized that making it a common practice to transfer the identity of Gulf races to other circuits is not viable. "We are creative enough to devise interesting solutions and keep the calendar active," the Formula 1 CEO remarked. "However, I don’t believe this can be our long-term strategy. We need to maintain credibility and consistency."

      The Saudi Arabian GP is still postponed, and the ongoing conflict in Iran has put the scheduled races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi in jeopardy. Domenicali noted that Formula 1 aims to make a final decision by mid-September. "If racing there isn't feasible, the season will conclude in Europe," he stated. "We cannot extend to other regions of the world." Imola, Domenicali's birthplace, is among the prime candidates and could host Formula 1’s first European finale since Jerez in 1997. "Imola is a possibility, but it hasn't been confirmed as the chosen venue," Domenicali clarified. "We will announce the location for a potential European race only after the deadline."

      Portimao, which is already slated to join the calendar in 2027 and 2028, is another potential option. Domenicali dismissed worries regarding the cold or potential rain and fog for an early-December race at Imola. "Interestingly, statistics indicate that the average temperature in Europe during that time is higher than in Las Vegas when we race there," he commented. "Given climate change, we cannot make guarantees. We can only hope it won’t snow. Pirelli is not yet prepared for winter tires, but they may need to start developing them soon."

      Las Vegas had been considered as a possibility for a double-header, but Domenicali excluded that option. "I can assure you that we will not conduct another race in the United States," he said. "Although there was a chance for two races in Las Vegas, we do not want to diminish the value of an event that has become a true highlight on the racing calendar." He also mentioned that Formula 1 must steer clear of competing directly with the NFL during that time of year. "It is an immensely popular sport with a vast audience, so we must avoid situations that would lead us into direct competition."