Story perspectives

F1 Confirms 2026 Season Ends in Qatar, Abu Dhabi

By Drooid · Oct 3, 2026, 11:30 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Domenicali Confirms Qatar Finale

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali confirmed the 2026 season will finish in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, based on assurances.
The Qatar Grand Prix is set for 27–29 November at Lusail International Circuit.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will run 4–6 December on the Yas Marina Circuit.
Bahrain Grand Prix will be held in Sepang Malaysia while retaining its Bahrain name for October.
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was cancelled in April because of the regional security situation.

Summary

Verstappen Rejects Qatar

Max Verstappen said he would prefer the season not finish in Qatar or Abu Dhabi.
Toto Wolff warned that, although teams are preparing, the situation remains very volatile.
Liberty Media could avoid eight-figure sanctioning fees if Gulf race promoters cancel the events.
99% of Abu Dhabi tickets have been sold, generating great excitement among fans.

History

Historical Context

First held on 4 April 2004 at the Bahrain International Circuit, the Bahrain Grand Prix gave Formula 1 its inaugural Middle-East race, beating bids from Egypt, Lebanon and the UAE (which later secured its own GP in 2009). Built for about 56.2 million BHD, the event survived a 2011 protest cancellation but was scrapped again in 2026 amid regional conflict, underscoring the sport’s fragile Gulf foothold.

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Domenicali Confirms Qatar Finale

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali confirmed the 2026 season will finish in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, based on assurances.
The Qatar Grand Prix is set for 27–29 November at Lusail International Circuit.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will run 4–6 December on the Yas Marina Circuit.
Bahrain Grand Prix will be held in Sepang Malaysia while retaining its Bahrain name for October.
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was cancelled in April because of the regional security situation.

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