F1 keeps Qatar, Abu Dhabi races despite Middle East tensions

Formula 1 says the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix remain scheduled as the final races of the 2026 season, although officials are preparing a contingency plan that could see the championship conclude in Europe if the security situation in the Middle East deteriorates.

Speaking to reporters after last weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix, Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali said organisers would delay any decision until mid-September to allow more time to assess developments in the region, Caliber.Az reports, citing Euronews.

"For us today, the races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi are confirmed," Domenicali noted.

"But of course, if the situation will not be cleared the way that we believe it should be, before the middle of September, we will take the decision," he added. "If this will not be possible, the end of the season would be in Europe."

Formula 1 has already adjusted its 2026 calendar following the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East. The Bahrain Grand Prix was relocated to Malaysia, while the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was cancelled earlier in the season.

Despite those changes, the current schedule remains intact, with the Qatar Grand Prix set for Nov. 29 and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix scheduled for Dec. 6. Any decision on replacing those races is not expected before mid-September.

Domenicali made it clear that Formula 1 intends to wait as long as possible before making a final decision, stressing that the series remains committed to completing its planned 24-race calendar.

He also confirmed that alternative plans have been prepared should the final two rounds prove impossible to stage in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

His comments came one day after the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) removed the Qatar 1812 KM from its 2026 calendar.

WEC organisers said the event at Lusail International Circuit is expected to return in the future and reiterated their long-term commitment to hosting races in Qatar.

Under the revised WEC calendar, the planned events in Qatar and Bahrain have been replaced by races in Spain and Italy.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov