F1 Sets Deadline to Decide on Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Cancellations

F1 Faces Decision on Qatar and Abu Dhabi Races Amid Middle East Tensions

The fate of the final two races of the 2026 Formula 1 season, scheduled in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, remains uncertain as officials prepare to announce a decision soon.

This season has already seen cancellations in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia because of ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Malaysia stepped in unexpectedly to host the Bahrain Grand Prix earlier this month, ensuring the calendar stayed intact for that event.

As the season approaches its conclusion, there is still no confirmation whether the Qatar Grand Prix on November 29 and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 6 will proceed. Concerns continue over the safety of drivers, team members, and fans amid regional instability. Imola has been mentioned as a possible alternative venue, though nothing official has emerged.

Decision Deadline Linked to US Elections

Reports from GPblog indicate that the choice regarding Qatar and Abu Dhabi will come after the United States elections. A specific deadline of November 9 has been set for Imola to learn if it will host the season’s final race.

• GPblog noted: "Formula 1 teams had been reassured privately they might avoid traveling to Qatar and Abu Dhabi. Instead, the season would wrap up at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola. Teams have already reserved accommodations in the Italian region."

Despite the unsettled situation, the 2026 F1 schedule remains officially unchanged. Financial stakes connected to Middle Eastern races contribute heavily to this stance, with cancellations threatening major revenue losses for commercial rights holders.

FIA President Confident About Middle East Events

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the FIA, recently spoke about the possibility of cancelling these races. He insisted that the events in Qatar and Abu Dhabi will happen as planned.

"We will never send our staff, drivers, or officials to locations we consider unsafe," Ben Sulayem said. "I feel fine about these countries hosting the races. If it were dangerous, I wouldn’t be here now talking to you. The media coverage doesn’t reflect what we experience on site. We ask ourselves, ‘Where is the danger?’ Otherwise, why would I stay there or leave my family there? I can’t predict the future, but as of today, there is nothing preventing the two races from happening."

Upcoming Race and Current Calendar

The 2026 season continues with the Mexican Grand Prix at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez this weekend.

• Scheduled Middle East races:
• Qatar Grand Prix: November 29, 2026
• Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: December 6, 2026
• Potential replacement: Imola (deadline for confirmation November 9, 2026)