Formula 1 faces renewed questions over its plans to conclude the 2026 season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi after the FIA confirmed the postponement of the Extreme H World Cup in Saudi Arabia until 2027. The decision comes just days after organisers announced that the 2027 Dakar Rally would also be moved out of the country, highlighting the growing disruption to international motorsport caused by tensions in the Middle East.
While other major competitions are changing their schedules and locations, Formula 1 continues to monitor developments ahead of its final two Grands Prix, currently scheduled for Lusail and Yas Marina. The possibility of moving a race to Imola remains under consideration as an alternative, although the increasingly limited time available makes any major logistical change particularly complicated.
FIA postpones 2026 Extreme H World Cup until 2027
The FIA, the global governing body for motorsport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has officially announced the postponement of the second FIA Extreme H World Cup. The decision was communicated jointly with the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation and Extreme H, confirming that the event originally scheduled for 29–31 October 2026 in Qiddiya City, Saudi Arabia, will instead take place in 2027.
The postponement follows a series of logistical and operational difficulties linked to tensions in the Middle East, which have significantly affected preparations for the competition. These problems have made it impossible to guarantee the organisational conditions necessary to deliver the event successfully within its original timeframe.
The decision represents another significant change to the international motorsport calendar as organisers confront the practical consequences of instability in the region. It also adds to the questions surrounding Formula 1’s determination to complete its championship in the Middle East despite the challenges affecting other competitions.
FIA and Extreme H remain committed to Saudi Arabia
Despite the postponement, the FIA and Extreme H have reaffirmed their commitment to working alongside their Saudi partners to organise the second edition of the competition successfully in 2027. Both organisations have expressed their gratitude to their local counterparts for their continued cooperation and the commitment shown towards the project.
The FIA Extreme H World Cup is the first hydrogen-powered motorsport competition officially sanctioned by the FIA. Established in 2025 as an evolution of the Extreme E championship, it brings together international teams and drivers competing in purpose-built Pioneer 25 racing cars equipped with hydrogen fuel-cell technology.
The championship represents an important development in alternative propulsion technology within motorsport. Although the second edition will no longer take place in October 2026, the organisers intend to preserve their collaboration with Saudi Arabia and resume the competition in 2027.
2027 Dakar Rally moved out of Saudi Arabia amid regional tensions
The Extreme H postponement follows another major decision involving international motorsport in Saudi Arabia. Organisers of the Dakar Rally have confirmed that the 2027 edition will no longer take place in the Kingdom, following recent developments in the Middle East.
Amaury Sport Organisation and Saudi Motorsport Company jointly announced the relocation of the competition, which was originally scheduled to run from 1 to 15 January 2027. The decision has been described as exceptional and limited to this particular edition, having been taken in close coordination with the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation and with the support of both the FIA and the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM).
Importantly, the Dakar Rally itself has not been cancelled. The 2027 competition will still take place, but in a different territory that organisers have yet to announce. Amaury Sport Organisation will remain responsible for organising the event, with further details about its new location expected in the coming days.
Saudi Arabia is scheduled to welcome the Dakar Rally back in 2028, when the competition celebrates its landmark 50th edition. Preparations for that event are already being developed jointly by the organisations involved, confirming their intention to continue the partnership beyond the exceptional circumstances affecting 2027.
What do the Middle East disruptions mean for F1’s Qatar and Abu Dhabi races?
Against this backdrop, attention is increasingly turning towards Formula 1 and its remaining races in the Middle East. The championship is continuing to monitor the situation in the region, where the Qatar Grand Prix and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix are scheduled to take place in just over a month.
According to the current 2026 Formula 1 calendar, Qatar is due to host the penultimate round at Lusail on 29 November, before Abu Dhabi brings the season to a close at Yas Marina on 6 December. Both events remain part of the championship’s plans, despite the uncertainty surrounding regional developments.
Should either race become impossible to stage, Imola remains a potential alternative venue. The Italian circuit has already been identified as an option if Formula 1 needs to revise the closing stages of its season.
However, time is becoming an increasingly important factor. Relocating an event involving Formula 1’s extensive transport, operational and organisational requirements would represent a considerable logistical challenge, particularly at such short notice.
For now, Formula 1 is maintaining its plans to race in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, even as the postponement of Extreme H and the relocation of the Dakar demonstrate how significantly the situation in the Middle East is affecting other major motorsport events.
With the end of the season approaching, the key question is how long Formula 1 can continue with its existing schedule if the circumstances forcing other championships to change their plans persist.
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