Formula 1 will proceed with the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix to close the 2026 season, despite continuing tensions in the Middle East. Stefano Domenicali has confirmed that the original calendar remains in place, with the final two rounds scheduled to take place in Qatar and Abu Dhabi between late November and early December. Imola, however, remains ready as Formula 1’s backup option if circumstances change.
After months of uncertainty, Formula 1 has therefore decided to maintain its original plan and finish the championship in the Middle East. The decision follows a period in which the wider regional situation had created significant doubts over whether the final stages of the 2026 Formula 1 calendar could proceed as originally scheduled.
F1 confirms Qatar and Abu Dhabi races for 2026 finale
The uncertainty had developed over recent months because of the conflict in the region. The situation had already resulted in the cancellation of the Bahrain Grand Prix from its original location, with the event subsequently recovered in Malaysia, as well as the cancellation of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Those developments had pushed Formula 1 to examine alternative plans as a precaution.
The Bahrain round is currently being staged in Malaysia in an unusual form, with the complete event timings and weekend information available in the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang schedule and circuit guide.
MotoGP had already provided an indication of how the situation could develop. The motorcycle championship confirmed several weeks ago that it intended to race in Qatar on 8 November, keeping its original calendar and therefore travelling to the country before Formula 1.
With Formula 1 and MotoGP now both under Liberty Media ownership, the two championships are operating within a shared strategic framework. MotoGP’s decision to maintain its Qatar event had therefore already offered a significant indication of the direction Formula 1 was likely to follow.
Stefano Domenicali confirms original Formula 1 plan
After receiving the necessary reassurances, Formula 1 elected to keep its original schedule. Stefano Domenicali confirmed the decision to Sky during the race weekend in Malaysia.
“We have confirmed the calendar, so the final two Grands Prix will be in Qatar and Abu Dhabi,” the Formula 1 CEO said.
Stefano Domenicali added: “This is the direction we have taken, with the information we have, with the reassurances we need to have. This is the strategy we will have to apply until the end of the year.”
The confirmation means Qatar and Abu Dhabi remain Formula 1’s preferred and expected destinations for the final two rounds of the 2026 season, with the championship set to conclude in the Middle East as initially planned.
Imola remains ready as Formula 1’s backup plan
Formula 1 has nevertheless continued to protect itself against the possibility that circumstances could change. An alternative arrangement remains in place to finish the championship at Imola on 6 December if racing in Qatar and Abu Dhabi becomes impossible.
Although the primary plan remains to travel to the Middle East, preparations at Imola have continued behind the scenes. Work has included the construction of grandstands and the installation of the infrastructure required to host a Grand Prix at relatively short notice.
Continuing those preparations without definitive confirmation that a race will actually take place inevitably carries a financial risk. Formula 1 is prepared to cover the costs associated with the work if the Imola event is ultimately not required, meaning the Italian venue would not be left exposed financially regardless of the final decision.
Why Formula 1 is keeping Imola on standby
The continued preparations reflect Formula 1’s need to retain a viable alternative until the final stages of the season. If the situation in the Middle East were to deteriorate further around a month before the scheduled Qatar and Abu Dhabi races, the championship could not afford to find itself without a ready-to-use contingency plan.
For now, however, the official direction is clear. Formula 1 intends to race in Qatar and Abu Dhabi and complete the 2026 championship according to the original calendar, while Imola remains prepared in the background should the situation require a late change.
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