(Motorsport-Total.com) – It is still not clear how many races can be held this year. Although Formula 1 responded to the cancellation of the two Middle East races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in April with an additional race between Baku and Singapore in Malaysia, there are still question marks over the two final races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
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This also adds another unknown to the world championship battle. If races are canceled, this could be good for leader Kimi Antonelli because his rivals would have fewer opportunities to catch up. However, if he is overtaken in the second half of the season, he would likely welcome every additional race.
Currently, his teammate George Russell is in this situation, who with a 59-point deficit probably has to hope that as many races as possible are held. “I would very much like a season with 24 races and as many races as possible from now until the end of the season,” he says.
However, he emphasizes: “That wouldn’t change regardless of whether I was leading, second, third, or fourth.”
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The 2026 Formula 1 calendar to click through
Because Russell would prefer to race every weekend if he could. For him, the calendar could be as large as possible. “I just want to race. I love motorsport. I love the fight,” says the Mercedes driver.
The uncertainty about how many races will still be held this season “honestly doesn’t change anything at all.” This is more likely a case for the teams and strategists who have to manage engine parts and decide where to take possible penalties for exceeding engine elements.
If Formula 1 cannot race in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, then the 2026 season will end in Europe, as Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali has revealed. But whether both races would be replaced and which tracks would step in, the Italian left open.
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