F1 set for late call on season ending in Middle East

Formula One is prepared to wait to determine whether this season can end in the Middle East.

The campaign is scheduled to finish with rounds in Qatar on November 29 and Abu Dhabi a week later.

Imola has been placed on stand-by for the season finale if the races scheduled for the Middle East cannot be staged there due to the United States-Iran conflict.

It had been expected a decision would be taken by the middle of this month to finalise the state of the remaining races.

However, the Press Association understands there is no timeline in place and a hard deadline has not been set. Tickets remain on sale for both events.

It is also expected next year's calendar will be confirmed later this week, possibly on Wednesday, with Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in line to host the opening two rounds in March.

Both races were cancelled this year amid the escalation of violence in the region, although a 'Bahrain Grand Prix' will unusually be staged at Malaysia's Sepang venue, south of Kuala Lumpur, in October.

There is obvious unease about staging a global sporting event in the Middle East.

The UK's current Foreign Office advice says the "situation remains unpredictable" and that there is "a risk of more attacks and unforeseen escalation", although it no longer advises against travel to the region.

With Qatar and Abu Dhabi still both officially on this year's calendar, nine scheduled rounds remain.

Championship leader Kimi Antonelli took a major stride toward landing his maiden title by winning in Madrid on Sunday.