Formula 1 confirms final races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi will proceed
Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 10 Nov, 15:19 · Archive
Formula 1's season will conclude with races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi despite regional tensions, the sport's governing body has confirmed.
Formula 1's governing body has confirmed that the final races of the season will proceed in Qatar and Abu Dhabi despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the sport is 'fully prepared and committed to delivering two outstanding grands prix weekends' on 29 November in Qatar and 6 December in Abu Dhabi.
The confirmation came after F1 set Tuesday as a deadline to decide between finishing the season in the Middle East or relocating to Imola in Italy. Both the drivers' and constructors' championships have already been decided, with Mercedes securing the team title in Brazil at the weekend and Kimi Antonelli becoming the youngest Formula 1 champion.
This year's Middle Eastern races have been heavily disrupted by regional instability. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was cancelled, and the Bahrain race was moved to Malaysia. Several events in Saudi Arabia have been cancelled or postponed following attacks by Yemen's Houthis. Some F1 drivers, including four-time world champion Max Verstappen, have expressed reservations about racing in the region.
How it is being reported
- Formula 1 set for Qatar and Abu Dhabi races after Imola snubFormula 1 is on course to conclude its season in the Middle East despite hostile attacks in the region. The motorsport had set Tuesday as its deadline to choose between finishing the season as planned – with races in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates after the next race in Las Vegas – or to [...]City AM · 10 Nov, 15:08
- Formula 1 to finish season in Middle EastThe 2026 Formula 1 season will conclude with the Qatar and Abu Dhabi grands prix as planned, with Italy's Imola circuit stood down as back-up for the races.BBC News · 10 Nov, 15:04
- FIA chief says Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to go ahead despite tensionsThis year's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was scrapped following the outbreak of the US and Israel's war with Iran.Al Jazeera · 10 Nov, 14:01
- F1 planning to finish season in Middle East as Imola deadline passesFormula 1 chiefs are proceeding with plans to hold the final two rounds of 2026 in the Middle East after a deadline to move one of the season-ending races to Italy passed.Sky Sports · 10 Nov, 14:00
In this story: Mohammed Ben Sulayem · FIA · Qatar · Abu Dhabi · Mercedes · Kimi Antonelli · Max Verstappen · Imola
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