Why the 2026 F1 season won’t end in Las Vegas

The 2026 Formula 1 season will not conclude in Las Vegas due to scheduling conflicts with the Thanksgiving holiday and ongoing geopolitical issues in the Middle East. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has indicated that decisions regarding the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races will be made by mid-September, and if canceled, they will be replaced by a European race rather than adding another event in the US. Imola is currently the frontrunner to host the season finale, given its favorable weather conditions compared to Las Vegas during that time of year.

Domenicali emphasized the importance of avoiding competition with the NFL, which has multiple games scheduled over the Thanksgiving weekend. Additionally, the Las Vegas Grand Prix has faced challenges since its inception, including a class-action lawsuit settlement related to the 2023 event. As F1 navigates these complexities, it aims to ensure a successful conclusion to the season in Europe.