The United Kingdom’s latest travel advice for Qatar and the United Arab Emirates could become a significant factor in the possible cancellation of the final Formula 1 Grands Prix of the 2026 season. With regional security concerns continuing to grow, the updated guidance from the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) may provide grounds for invoking force majeure clauses in the contracts governing the Middle Eastern races.
According to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, the new warning could have major implications for both Formula 1 and MotoGP, potentially allowing the championships to withdraw from their scheduled events without contractual penalties. Meanwhile, Imola is preparing for the possibility of hosting the Formula 1 season finale on 4–6 December instead of Abu Dhabi, while the Qatar round could be cancelled without a replacement.
UK travel warning raises concerns for Qatar and Abu Dhabi F1 races
The latest edition of Corriere dello Sport highlights a document published on Tuesday, 27 October, by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The updated security guidance covers 16 countries: Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Pakistan, Israel, Palestine, Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen.
The warning explicitly refers to a “high risk of sudden escalation” in a Middle Eastern situation described as “deeply unpredictable”. One of the principal concerns is the possibility of Iranian attacks targeting locations, institutions and events associated with the United States and Israel.
This raises particular questions for Formula 1 and MotoGP, both of which are under American ownership through Liberty Media. The security situation has already created considerable uncertainty around the planned Qatar Grands Prix for both championships, with organisers and participants continuing to monitor developments in the region.
British nationals have also been warned to prepare for potential flight cancellations and the possibility of airspace closures at short notice. Beyond travel disruption, the FCDO has issued specific guidance on personal safety should further attacks occur.
The official advice states: “If advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows may provide additional protection. The greatest risk comes from falling debris following the interception of attacks, and the safest place is inside a protected structure. Do not approach or touch fragments of drones or missiles, or any unusual objects.”
Could force majeure allow F1 and MotoGP to cancel their Middle East races?
The central question concerns the contractual arrangements linking Formula 1 and MotoGP to their scheduled races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. As previously reported, the agreements are understood to permit cancellation without financial penalties in only two circumstances: if the host countries voluntarily withdraw from staging the events, or if force majeure provisions can be invoked.
Neither Qatar nor Abu Dhabi has withdrawn from its commitments, leaving force majeure as the potential alternative. According to Corriere dello Sport, Liberty Media is expected to use this contractual mechanism to avoid travelling to the Middle East, relying on the updated British FCDO guidance to support its position.
The possibility of changes to the calendar has already prompted extensive preparations and discussions. Although Formula 1 and MotoGP have continued planning their Middle Eastern events, the evolving regional situation has made the final stages of the season increasingly uncertain.
Imola prepares for possible 2026 F1 season finale in December
Against this backdrop, Imola remains hopeful of hosting the final round of the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship. The Italian circuit is preparing for the weekend of 4–6 December, currently allocated to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and could become the replacement venue if the Middle Eastern race is cancelled.
The preparations for a possible Formula 1 return to Imola have been progressing as organisers consider alternative arrangements for the championship’s conclusion. Under the scenario outlined by Corriere dello Sport, the Qatar Grand Prix would not be replaced on either the Formula 1 or MotoGP calendar.
For the time being, however, the revised arrangements remain unconfirmed. The timing of any official announcement is another source of speculation, with rumours suggesting that Liberty Media may be waiting for Andrea Kimi Antonelli to secure victory on track before revealing its plans for the final races.
If that speculation proves accurate, an announcement would be unlikely before Sunday evening. Until Formula 1 formally communicates a decision, the possibility of Imola replacing Abu Dhabi and Qatar being removed from the calendar remains a reported scenario rather than a confirmed change.
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