Formula 1 representatives briefly considered the option of hosting a second consecutive race weekend in Las Vegas later this year. However, this idea was quickly abandoned following talks with local tourism officials. This concept arose as Formula 1 assessed backup plans for the concluding phase of the 2026 season due to ongoing uncertainty regarding the races slated for Qatar on November 29 and Abu Dhabi on December 6.

Instead of introducing another race on a different date, F1 contemplated hosting a second Las Vegas Grand Prix the weekend following the city’s current race on November 21, as all necessary infrastructure would already be established.

“There was a consideration for two races in Las Vegas,” stated F1 CEO and President Stefano Domenicali to the press on July 29. “However, we don’t want to harm, to phrase it differently, a burgeoning jewel by undervaluing the significance of what we are achieving there.”

In essence, holding two consecutive Grand Prix weekends at the same location could potentially lessen demand and reduce the significance of each event.

Adjustments Made by F1

Timing also presented challenges. The proposed additional race weekend would have clashed with the Thanksgiving holiday, one of the busiest travel periods in the U.S. and the largest weekend for the NFL following the Super Bowl.

“That is a major sport,” Domenicali remarked. “A significant number of fans tune in, so we must steer clear of situations where we might intersect with an event that remains substantial in the U.S.”

Currently, F1 is developing contingency plans for alternatives if its Middle Eastern races cannot proceed, with Imola in Italy emerging as the leading candidate to host the season finale.

Domenicali indicated that a resolution regarding Qatar and Abu Dhabi—both of which have sold-out tickets—would be reached no sooner than mid-September, allowing the organization extra time to monitor global updates.