Formula 1 rules out a second Las Vegas race amid Middle East uncertainty

Formula 1 considered holding a second Las Vegas race during the 2026 season amid uncertainty surrounding its year-end events in the Middle East.

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) and F1 discussed the possibility of staging an additional race one week after the existing Las Vegas Grand Prix, which is scheduled for the Saturday before Thanksgiving.

However, LVCVA President and CEO Steve Hill said the proposal was quickly deemed impractical. F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali separately confirmed that the option had been considered as the championship evaluates contingency plans for its races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. 

Those events are currently scheduled for 29 November and 6 December respectively, but continuing conflict in the Middle East has created uncertainty over whether the season-ending races can proceed as planned.

Hill said a second Las Vegas event could have reduced demand for both races, while also creating logistical challenges. These include infrastructure requirements surrounding the street circuit, such as the temporary bridge erected on Flamingo Road over Koval Lane to maintain traffic flows while the course is in operation.

He also indicated that staging another Las Vegas race at a different point in the year was unlikely.

For now, both Qatar and Abu Dhabi remain on the calendar and have sold out. Domenicali said F1 does not need to make a final decision until September, allowing officials to assess the situation closer to the scheduled events.

Should changes become necessary, another option could involve ending the season in Europe, with Italy identified as a possible location for a race following the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

In related news, Formula 1 has expanded its gambling links throughout 2026. Betway became the championship’s first official betting operator in a multi-year agreement in March, while FanDuel subsequently became an official betting operator in the US and Canada. Meanwhile, lottery operator Allwyn extended its Formula 1 partnership in March, expanding its fan engagement and community initiatives.