FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has declared that the 2026 Formula 1 season will conclude in the Middle East. This statement comes despite ongoing regional tensions and hostilities. The final two races are scheduled for Qatar on November 29 and Abu Dhabi on December 6.
Formula 1 had previously committed to providing clarity on the situation by mid-October. However, this deadline passed without an official resolution. Teams remain uncertain about the status of the upcoming events.
Sources from multiple teams indicate they are still awaiting confirmation. The alternative plan involves cancelling the Middle East races. Instead, the Italian circuit Imola is on standby to host a standalone finale.
Ben Sulayem, head of motorsport’s governing body, dismissed perceived dangers as exaggerated. He affirmed that operations would proceed as scheduled. When asked if F1 was fine to finish the season, he replied:
Yeah – fine.
The President made these remarks at the opening of the FIA’s new Remote Operations Centre in Biggin Hill, UK. He referenced his family remaining in the UAE. This, he suggested, underscored his confidence in the region’s safety.
Ben Sulayem differentiated media reports from the reality on the ground. He asserted that the situation is not as depicted on television. He confirmed, “the two races are going to happen.”
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has led to heightened regional tensions. These escalations follow renewed fighting between the United States and Iran. Concerns have been raised regarding airspace safety and logistical disruptions.
While direct military action has not impacted Qatar or the UAE, proximity to conflict zones prompts security questions. The FIA maintains it is continuously monitoring the situation. This is done in conjunction with local authorities and F1 management.
An internal FIA security report reportedly advises caution. However, it does not recommend outright cancellation based on current intelligence. F1’s own security teams are also conducting independent assessments.
The Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari at Imola is prepared to host a Grand Prix. This standby event is scheduled for the first weekend in December, specifically December 13, 2026. It would serve as a replacement if the Middle East races are cancelled.
Logistical plans for teams to travel to Italy on short notice are reportedly being drafted. Imola circuit management has confirmed its readiness to step in. The circuit has a history of hosting Formula 1 events.
Kimi Antonelli currently holds a 102-point lead in the 2026 Drivers’ Championship. A maximum of 150 points are available from the remaining six rounds. Antonelli can secure the title at the upcoming United States Grand Prix.
If the Middle East races are cancelled, Antonelli would be crowned champion. This would occur if his lead remains above 100 points after the United States Grand Prix. This scenario could result in a championship win via press release.
Formula 1’s commercial agreements with teams and broadcasters mandate a minimum of 22 races per season. The 2026 calendar initially featured 24 events.
The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian events were cancelled in April due to the US-Iran war. The Bahrain Grand Prix was subsequently rearranged in Malaysia for October. This brought the season to 23 scheduled events before Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
Replacing the two Middle East races with a single event like Imola would ensure the 22-race minimum is met. This fulfills contractual obligations to teams and broadcasters.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali previously stated the calendar was confirmed. He later clarified that the final races are subject to change. This depends on information and reassurances received.
Driver opinions on the matter are divided. Max Verstappen has expressed a preference for F1 not to race in the Middle East. Lewis Hamilton, conversely, hopes the races will proceed.
Several team principals have privately voiced concerns regarding staff safety. Logistical complexities for personnel travel are also a factor. Publicly, teams defer to the FIA and F1 management.
