Formula 1 has confirmed the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix will proceed as scheduled, concluding the 2026 season. The FIA also released its latest Additional Upgrade and Opportunities (ADUO) findings. These announcements follow Esteban Ocon’s departure from Haas and McLaren’s initial reveal of its 2027 car concept.
The final two rounds of the 2026 championship, the Qatar Grand Prix on November 29 and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 6, faced uncertainty. Concerns over regional conflict had led to the cancellation of earlier Bahrain and Saudi Arabian rounds.
Bahrain’s event was relocated to Malaysia in October. Formula 1 management had prepared the Imola circuit as a contingency. However, Imola has now been informed to stand down.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem have reaffirmed the commitment to the Middle Eastern finale. This decision aligns with the successful running of the MotoGP season finale in Qatar last weekend.
The FIA’s third and final ADUO review period for 2026 has concluded. This scheme, introduced for the current season, aims to assist power unit manufacturers. It allows additional development for those whose Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) performance is at least two percent below the benchmark.
Red Bull Powertrains was identified as having the strongest ICE performance in initial assessments. The latest review, covering races 12 to 18, resulted in no new homologations being granted.
Mercedes, determined to be two to four percent behind Red Bull, received one additional upgrade for 2026 and one for 2027. Audi, Ferrari, and Honda, over four percent adrift, were granted two additional upgrades for both 2026 and 2027.
These allowances include increased cost cap and dyno testing opportunities. FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis expressed confidence in the findings.
Esteban Ocon was dropped by Haas after Friday practice at the Mexican Grand Prix. The decision followed a disagreement with his race engineer during FP2. Haas confirmed Ocon would not return for the remainder of the 2026 season.
Ryo Hirakawa replaced Ocon for the rest of the Mexican Grand Prix weekend. Rafael Camara, already signed for Haas for the 2027 season, made his Formula 1 debut at the 2026 Sao Paulo Grand Prix in Brazil.
Camara, the current leader of the 2026 Formula 2 Drivers’ Championship, finished 20th in his debut race. He navigated challenging wet conditions, including hitting barriers in qualifying. Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu stated the decision regarding Ocon was in the team’s best interest.
McLaren introduced a new front wing concept at the Brazilian Grand Prix. This design is expected to be carried over to the launch specification of their 2027 car. The update package also included a redesigned rear wing, diffuser, and floor elements.
The new front wing features a mainplane that flows smoothly into the endplate. It mounts directly to the second flap element, allowing for a single active flap for drag reduction. Team Director Andrea Stella indicated the design enhances aerodynamic load and car predictability.
In other Brazilian Grand Prix news, George Russell aborted a potential pole lap in qualifying. This was due to a team misjudgment regarding worsening rain and being held up by Alex Albon. Russell expressed significant frustration over team radio and later left the FIA press conference.
Alex Albon received a double punishment from FIA stewards. He incurred a five-second time penalty for unsafely rejoining the track ahead of Pierre Gasly. Albon also received two penalty points on his super licence, bringing his total to three in 12 months.
Oliver Bearman received a five-second penalty for an unsafe release into Charles Leclerc’s path in the pit lane. Leclerc was forced to take evasive action. Bearman maintained his 17th finishing position despite the penalty.
Charles Leclerc also received a five-second penalty for contact with Liam Lawson at Turn 12. This incident was deemed to have given Leclerc an advantage, causing him to drop from seventh to eighth in the final classification.
