Preparations for the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix are continuing at Lusail, with the country’s motorsport authorities confident that Formula 1 will race there in November despite the continuing uncertainty in the Middle East. Qatar is preparing for two major international motorsport events during the month, with both MotoGP and F1 currently expected to take place as planned.
Tensions in the region remain because of the conflict between the United States and Iran, which has periodically affected neighbouring countries. Even so, Qatar has continued preparations without interruption for the two events scheduled at Lusail International Circuit. The MotoGP Grand Prix is set for November 6–8, while the Qatar Grand Prix, the 22nd round of the 2026 Formula 1 season, is scheduled for November 27–29.
The MotoGP event had originally been due to take place from April 10–12 before being moved to November because of the instability in the region. Formula 1 has also been monitoring developments, with previous uncertainty surrounding the Middle Eastern part of the calendar prompting discussion over the status of Qatar and other late-season races.
Qatar officials confident the 2026 Qatar GP will go ahead
Abdul Rahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, president of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation, has reiterated that preparations for both major events are moving forward.
He explained that Qatar has been a safe place for several months and that the country’s airport is operating fully, including transit flights connecting Asia and Europe. According to Abdul Rahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, visitors to Qatar can see that everyday life has returned to normal, leaving the country eager to welcome international racing back to Lusail.
“We are fully operational and we are preparing for MotoGP, and the same applies to our discussions with F1,” he said. “Of course, there are things we cannot predict. It is difficult. We don’t know what will happen. The situation has been variable, although so far it has remained very calm. It depends on what happens over the next couple of months or so.”
Abdul Rahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai added that Qatar cannot simply stop its preparations because of what could happen in the future. Instead, organisers must remain ready and proceed step by step while continuing to assess how the situation develops. At present, he said, everything is progressing normally.
MotoGP keeps Qatar as its priority but has a Plan B
Carlos Ezpeleta, recently appointed deputy CEO of the MotoGP group, has also addressed the situation. He explained that work and discussions with the Qatari government are continuing as organisers assess whether the race can take place.
Carlos Ezpeleta pointed out that other events in the region have recently been confirmed and stressed that MotoGP’s priority remains travelling to Qatar. However, should that become impossible, organisers would consider an alternative Plan B.
A definitive MotoGP decision is expected before the start of the championship’s Asian tour, meaning by the final week of September.
Formula 1 also continues preparations for Lusail
Formula 1 preparations are continuing as well. The official branding for the Qatar Grand Prix has already been presented and tickets are currently on sale through the circuit’s website, with the race remaining part of the closing stages of the 2026 championship.
F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali explained at the end of August that Formula 1 remains in contact with other championships and intends to use as much time as possible to assess how the regional situation develops.
A decision is expected after the middle of September. Stefano Domenicali indicated that Formula 1 does not want to rush while circumstances can still change, particularly with several weeks remaining before the championship is due to travel to Qatar.
The timing could also have sporting significance as the season approaches its final races, with the championship situation continuing to evolve. The latest positions can be followed through the Formula 1 driver standings.
F1 could finish the season in Europe if Qatar plan becomes impossible
Stefano Domenicali also outlined what could happen if the original calendar becomes impossible to complete. In that scenario, he said the Formula 1 season would finish in Europe because travelling to other regions would not be possible.
Several alternatives are therefore being considered, although Formula 1 is not currently making promises or predictions about which option could be used. The priority remains to monitor developments before making a final decision.
For now, however, the message from Qatar is that preparations have not stopped. Lusail is continuing to work towards hosting both MotoGP and Formula 1 in November, while the relevant championships remain in contact with local authorities and keep the regional situation under review.
The 2026 Qatar Grand Prix therefore remains scheduled for November 27–29. Qatar’s motorsport authorities expect the event to take place, but both their comments and Formula 1’s position acknowledge that developments over the coming weeks will ultimately determine whether the original plan can proceed unchanged.
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