WEC Qatar 1812 km postponed by the FIA due to clashes in the Middle East: Imola becomes the opening round, could F1 also be at risk?
The Qatar 1812 km, scheduled as the opening race of the FIA World Endurance Championship, has officially been postponed. The decision followed ongoing discussions between WEC management and the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation, in light of the current and delicate geopolitical situation in the Middle East. After this move by the FIA, questions are now being raised about whether the two upcoming Formula 1 races in Bahrain and Jeddah could also be at risk.
The event had been planned from March 26 to 28 at the Lusail International Circuit. As underlined by the FIA, the priority remains the safety of teams, drivers, staff members, and fans. After further talks with the Lusail International Circuit, it was agreed that the race will be rescheduled for the second part of the 2026 season. The new date will be communicated in the coming weeks.
As a direct consequence, the opening round of the championship will now be the 6 Hours of Imola, scheduled from April 17 to 19 in Emilia-Romagna. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem explained the reasoning behind the decision. “The safety and well-being of our community will always be the FIA’s first priority. I thank the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation, the Lusail International Circuit, the ACO and the championship colleagues for the measured and collaborative approach that led to this decision.”
Qatar cancels WEC opener, could Bahrain and Jeddah F1 races also be affected?
“The Qatar 1812 km holds a special place for many fans, drivers and teams. We will work closely with all involved parties to reschedule the race later in the 2026 season. The FIA continues to monitor developments in the region. Our thoughts are with all those affected by these events, with the hope of a return to calm and stability.”
Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, president of the Qatari federation and of the Lusail International Circuit, also expressed full support for the decision. “After thorough discussions with the FIA World Endurance Championship and all stakeholders, we respect and support the decision to postpone the Qatar 1812 km.”
“We thank fans, teams and partners for their understanding and continued support. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to Lusail.”
Pierre Fillon, president of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, added: “Our first thoughts go to the victims of this terrible conflict. At times like these, sport takes second place. For this reason, the decision was quickly made not to hold the event on the originally scheduled dates. We are working to find the best possible alternative to run the race later in 2026.”
WEC CEO Frédéric Lequien confirmed that the Qatar round remains an integral part of the calendar: “The Qatar 1812 km is a fundamental part of the WEC calendar. We are working side by side to identify the best solution.”
With this postponement, attention now shifts to Imola. The Italian circuit will host the opening round of a championship that begins with a revised calendar, but with the clear objective of ensuring safety and stability across the entire paddock. The focus now turns to Formula 1, as uncertainty remains over whether the Bahrain Grand Prix and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah could face a similar postponement to the WEC season opener.
As the 2026 motorsport season faces its first major logistical hurdle, the decision to pivot to Imola underscores the fragility of international sporting schedules in the face of geopolitical shifts. While the WEC paddock prepares for an earlier-than-expected trip to Italy, the looming question for Formula 1 fans remains unanswered. If the FIA deems the Middle East currently unsuitable for the endurance grid, the pressure on Liberty Media to provide clarity regarding the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will only intensify. The 2026 season may be defined as much by the safety of its personnel as by the performance of the revolutionary new cars on track.
Leave a Reply