Where Will the Final Two Races of the 2026 Formula 1 Season Be? We Had an Office Debate!
Will Qatar and Abu Dhabi remain on the Formula 1 calendar, or could Europe host the season finale?
That’s the question everyone seems to be asking after recent comments from Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.
Speaking about the final two rounds of the 2026 Formula 1 season, Domenicali confirmed that “a decision will not be taken before the middle of September” and added that “if we need to move the final races, the end of the season will be in Europe.”
So, with Europe now officially part of the conversation, we did what every Formula 1 fan does…
We started arguing in the office.
The question was simple:
If Formula 1 had to replace Qatar and Abu Dhabi, where should the final two races of the 2026 season be held?
As expected, nobody agreed.
Aimee: “Imola has to be one of them.”
“For me, Imola is the obvious choice. Stefano Domenicali is from the Emilia-Romagna region, so it would be quite fitting if Formula 1 ended the season there. The circuit only recently left the calendar, the infrastructure is already in place and it wouldn’t take much to get everything ready again. If Formula 1 needs somewhere that can step in quickly, Imola makes perfect sense.”
“My second choice is Barcelona. Every Formula 1 team knows the circuit inside out because of years of pre-season testing. They already have all the data, the logistics are simple and it’s one of the easiest venues to organise at short notice.”
Mayank: “Give me Portimão and Monza.”
“I’m picking Portimão first. Formula 1 is already heading back there next year, so why not use this as the perfect opportunity to test everything early? The Algarve usually has fantastic weather at that time of year and MotoGP races there around a similar period without any problems. I’d actually trust the weather in Portugal more than Barcelona in late November or December.”
“Then there’s Monza. Honestly… why not? Imagine Ferrari fighting for victories or even the championship in the final race of the season. The atmosphere with the Tifosi would be unbelievable. If we’re ending the year in Europe, Monza would be an incredible place to do it.”
Alicia: “Silverstone and Portimão.”
“I completely agree with Mayank about Portimão. It’s one of those circuits that deserves to be back on the calendar.”
“My second choice is Silverstone. Most Formula 1 teams are based within a couple of hours of the circuit, so from a logistics point of view it couldn’t be much easier. Everyone says it’ll be freezing, but it probably won’t be much colder than Las Vegas! Imagine Formula 1 at Silverstone in December… the atmosphere would be incredible.”
Josh: “I don’t think Silverstone is happening.”
“I love Silverstone, but I just don’t think December in the UK is realistic.”
“I’d be looking at Monza, Imola or even Hockenheim. They’re all brilliant circuits with Formula 1 history and the weather is far more likely to cooperate. I’d love to see Hockenheim back on the calendar.”
So… who’s right?
Once we’d all made our case, we looked at what actually makes sense.
Imola
Imola has to be one of the favourites. It’s a modern Formula 1 venue, holds a current FIA Grade 1 licence and has all the infrastructure needed to host a Grand Prix at short notice. It also has the added benefit of being close to Formula 1’s Italian roots and Ferrari country.
Portimão
Portimão is probably the fans’ favourite. The circuit produced excellent racing during its previous Formula 1 appearances and the Algarve offers some of the best weather in Europe that late in the year. It also gives Formula 1 another opportunity to evaluate the venue before its planned return.
Barcelona
Barcelona might not be the most exciting answer, but it’s one of the most practical. Every team knows the circuit, the logistics are straightforward and there’s years of performance data already available.
Monza
Few places can match Monza for atmosphere. If Ferrari are still fighting at the front towards the end of the season, ending the championship in front of the Tifosi would create one of the greatest finales Formula 1 has ever seen.
Silverstone
Silverstone is always capable of stepping in. The facilities are world-class and the majority of Formula 1 teams are based nearby. The biggest concern would simply be the unpredictable British weather.
Hockenheim
Could this be the surprise choice? Hockenheim has hosted some unforgettable Formula 1 races over the years and remains a favourite among fans. It hasn’t featured on the calendar for some time, but the circuit has the experience and facilities to welcome Formula 1 back.
Our Verdict
If Formula 1 asked the Grandstand Motor Sports office to decide today, we’d still be arguing.
Some of us think Imola is the safest option.
Others believe Portimão deserves another opportunity.
Some can’t resist the idea of Ferrari ending the season at Monza.
And a few of us would happily bring Hockenheim back for one last Grand Prix.
One thing is certain: if Formula 1 does have to move the final two races, Europe has plenty of fantastic circuits ready to put on a show.
For now, though, nothing has changed. As Stefano Domenicali has confirmed, a decision won’t be made until the middle of September, and if changes are required, the season finale will move to Europe.
We’ll be watching closely.
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