Formula 1 will hold the final two races of the 2026 season in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. The Qatar Grand Prix is scheduled for November 27 to 29 at the Lusail International Circuit, followed by the season-closing Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from December 4 to 6 at the Yas Marina Circuit. A backup plan to race in Imola, Italy, has been officially dropped following a Tuesday meeting between Formula 1, the FIA and team stakeholders.
Formula 1 Middle East schedule
The confirmation arrives after months of speculation over the viability of racing in the region due to conflicts. Earlier in the year, the situation forced the cancellation of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and the relocation of the Bahrain Grand Prix to Sepang, Malaysia. In a statement posted to Instagram, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem confirmed the decision to proceed with the planned finale.
"We are fully prepared and committed to delivering two outstanding Grands Prix weekends and a spectacular conclusion to the FIA Formula One World Championship", said Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA president. "We are working closely with our partners to ensure everything is in place for our drivers, teams and fans. We look forward to welcoming everyone for two thrilling weekends of racing and an unforgettable finish to the Formula One season".
Other motorsport series governed by the FIA have taken different approaches. The World Endurance Championship moved its final two Middle East rounds to Barcelona and Monza. Meanwhile, MotoGP held a race in Qatar over the previous weekend. The event went ahead as scheduled, though Yamaha withdrew and several riders expressed resistance. The U.S. government has also issued security alerts warning travellers in Abu Dhabi and Qatar.
Safety remains the primary concern for teams travelling to the region. Carlos Sainz Jr., Williams driver and director of the Grand Prix Drivers Association, initially voiced reservations about the schedule. Speaking before the United States Grand Prix in Texas, he commented on the organisers' plans.
"They seem very convinced that it's going to go ahead. I think on my personal side, I'm not", said Carlos Sainz Jr. He added, "We need to stay diligent, and reactive to whatever happens".
Later, his team issued a clarifying statement. "I want to be clear that I know the FIA and Formula 1 will put safety first and completely trust them to make the right decision. We look forward to racing in Qatar and Abu Dhabi", said Carlos Sainz Jr.
The Imola backup plan
The Imola circuit, located 20 miles from Bologna, had been kept on hold in case the Middle East races could not take place. The track previously hosted the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix but was dropped from the 2026 calendar. A race at Imola would have served as a homecoming for Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, who secured the 2026 drivers' championship at the Mexico City Grand Prix in November. At 20 years old, Antonelli is the youngest F1 champion in history and the first Italian driver to win the title since 1953. His hometown of Bologna is close to the Imola track, but the cancellation of the Italian plan means he will not celebrate his title win on home soil this season.
With the drivers' title already settled, the constructors' championship was also decided before the final rounds. The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team clinched the title during the São Paulo Grand Prix in Brazil. Looking ahead to next year, F1 plans to open its 2027 season in the Middle East, with a 24-race schedule beginning in Bahrain from March 12 to 14, followed by Saudi Arabia the following week.
Soufiene El Boub
was born and raised in France, where he also pursued his education. With a lifelong passion for sports and storytelling, Soufiene has become a sports editor, known for his insightful analysis writing. His unique perspective, shaped by his French upbringing, adds a distinctive flair to his work in the world of sports journalism.
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