Full Breakdown
F1 Confirms Qatar and Abu Dhabi Finale Amid Middle-East Conflict
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Season-ending rounds remain in the Gulf
On October 3, Formula 1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali announced that the championship will close with the scheduled Grand Prix in Qatar (Nov 27-29) and Abu Dhabi (Dec 4-6).
Background & Context
Earlier in the 2026 season, the conflict sparked by Iran-related hostilities forced the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix that had been slated for April. To preserve a 23-round schedule, the Bahrain race was relocated to the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, running October 2-4 while retaining the Bahrain Grand Prix name. Saudi Arabia’s round was cancelled outright. Because of the uncertainty, Formula 1 evaluated European alternatives, with Imola emerging as the primary backup venue should the Gulf events become untenable.
Data & Statistics
- Ticket sales: Domenicali reported that 99 % of Abu Dhabi tickets had been sold.
- Scheduled dates: Qatar Grand Prix – Nov 27-29; Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Dec 4-6.
- Relocated race: Bahrain Grand Prix held at Sepang Oct 2-4.
- Contingency preparation: Imola has begun installing temporary grandstands and related infrastructure as a precautionary measure.
Official Statements & Responses
- Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff noted that teams are preparing for the scheduled races and that “all lights are green,” while acknowledging the volatility of the situation.
- Abdul Rahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, president of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation, confirmed that preparations for the Qatar event have proceeded despite regional uncertainty.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Yes, as we’ve already said, the calendar is confirmed: the last two grands prix will be in Qatar and Abu Dhabi,” — Stefano Domenicali, managing director
- “Based on the information we have, everything is confirmed for [us to stay in] Qatar and Abu Dhabi,” — Stefano Domenicali, managing director
- “As we have already said, the calendar is confirmed: the last two Grands Prix will be in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. This is the direction we have taken based on the information and the assurances we have — and which we absolutely need to have,” — Stefano Domenicali, managing director
- “Formula 1 will adhere to the original calendar. Based on the assurances we have received, the final two races will take place in Qatar and Abu Dhabi,” — Stefano Domenicali, managing director
- “This is the course we have set based on the information and assurances we have received. We will continue to follow this strategy through the end of the year,” — Stefano Domenicali, managing director
These statements capture the leadership’s firm stance on maintaining the original Gulf finale while acknowledging the reliance on external assurances.