Formula 1 will proceed with its season-ending races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi as scheduled, the sport's chief executive Stefano Domenicali announced on Saturday, despite escalating conflict in the region that forced the relocation of earlier events.
Speaking at the Bahrain Grand Prix—which had been moved to the Sepang circuit in Malaysia—Domenicali told French broadcaster Canal+ that preparations for both races remained on track. He confirmed the Qatar Grand Prix would take place on 29 November, with the Abu Dhabi finale set for 6 December.
The decision comes after F1 had been delaying its decision on the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races while monitoring the conflict, despite the calendar still listing them. The cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia grands prix in April had already disrupted the season, with the 2026 calendar now comprising 22 races with no replacement events planned.
The regional tensions stem from US and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February, followed by Iranian retaliatory attacks that hit targets in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Those April cancellations also caused significant logistical disruption, with airspace closures and flight cancellations affecting personnel travelling to the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.
What assurances has F1 given?
Domenicali stressed that all necessary precautions were in place and that teams and drivers were being kept fully informed of developments. He highlighted strong commercial confidence in the Abu Dhabi event, noting that 99 percent of tickets had already been sold and that the race was generating considerable enthusiasm among fans.
"Based on the information we have, everything is confirmed for [us to stay in] Qatar and Abu Dhabi," Domenicali told Canal+.
"Everything was in order" and "teams and drivers were being kept informed of the situation,"
he added when speaking to Sky Sport Italia.
Do all drivers support the decision?
Not every competitor has welcomed the confirmation. Max Verstappen expressed reservations about finishing the season in the Gulf region, citing security concerns. Speaking to ViaPlay during the week, the driver said he would prefer the championship to conclude elsewhere given the proximity of the conflict.
"Normally I am happy to go to Qatar and Abu Dhabi, but you know, when there is a war nearby, and if some of the countries are in conflict with each other, then I think we shouldn't go,"
Verstappen said.
"Then, it doesn't matter if you have a contract or not, I think. But it's not up to me."
Prior to Domenicali's confirmation, one alternative under discussion had been relocating the Abu Dhabi race to Imola in Italy, though that option has now been set aside.
What is the remainder of the calendar?
The official schedule shows the Las Vegas Grand Prix scheduled for 19–21 November, followed by Qatar on 27–29 November and Abu Dhabi on 4–6 December. With the April cancellations leaving the calendar at 22 races, the final three events will determine the championship outcome.
Key Facts
- Qatar and Abu Dhabi races confirmed for 29 November and 6 December respectively
- Bahrain and Saudi Arabia grands prix were cancelled in April due to regional conflict
- 99 percent of Abu Dhabi tickets have been sold, according to F1 leadership
- Some drivers, including Max Verstappen, have expressed concerns about competing in the region
- The 2026 F1 calendar now contains 22 races with no replacement events scheduled
