Abu Dhabi, Qatar F1 Races Remain on 2026 Calendar, Final Decision Due in September

The Qatar and Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grands Prix remain scheduled to take place in 2026, but Formula 1 is expected to make a final decision in September amid continued uncertainty in the Middle East.

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said the races are currently confirmed, with the organisation monitoring developments before deciding whether the season can conclude in the Gulf as planned.

Qatar is scheduled to host its Grand Prix on November 29, followed by the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 6 at Yas Marina Circuit. Both events are already sold out, according to Domenicali.

Final decision expected by mid-September

Domenicali said Formula 1 will wait until mid-September before making a final decision on any changes to the 2026 calendar.

The decision comes against the backdrop of ongoing regional uncertainty following the Iran war. Earlier this year, the Saudi Arabian and Bahrain Grands Prix scheduled for April were cancelled, with Malaysia’s Sepang circuit set to host Bahrain’s replacement race on October 4.

“If the situation is not clearer” by the September deadline, Formula 1 will consider alternative arrangements for the end of the season, Domenicali said.

European finale could replace Gulf races

If the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races cannot be held, Formula 1 plans to conclude the 2026 season in Europe rather than add another race in the United States.

Italy’s Imola circuit has emerged as a possible replacement venue. The track was removed from this year’s calendar but remains among the options being considered for a potential season-ending race.

A proposal to hold a second race in Las Vegas was also considered, but Domenicali ruled out the idea, saying Formula 1 does not want to undermine the growing status of the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The regular NFL season would also create additional scheduling challenges.

Abu Dhabi and Qatar remain the plan for now

For the moment, Formula 1 continues to plan for the final two races of the 2026 season to take place in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

The situation will be reviewed over the coming weeks, with the middle of September serving as the deadline for any potential calendar changes.

The uncertainty has also affected other international motorsport events. The World Endurance Championship has already moved its final Qatar and Bahrain rounds to Barcelona and Monza later this year.

Formula 1 is nevertheless aiming to maintain a 24-race calendar in 2027, with Portugal and Turkey expected to return to the schedule and further interest from potential hosts across Africa, Asia and South America.

For now, F1 fans in the UAE and Qatar can continue to plan for the season-ending races as scheduled, but the final confirmation will come only after Formula 1 reviews the regional situation in September.