Formula 1 faces ongoing uncertainty regarding its scheduled races in the Middle East, impacting both the conclusion of the 2026 season and the start of the 2027 calendar. The Qatar Grand Prix, set for November 27-29, and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, scheduled for December 4-6, remain on the official 2026 calendar.
However, regional conflict, including the US-Iran situation and actions by Yemen’s Houthi movement, continues to raise significant security concerns. This instability has prompted discussions within the sport and led to contingency planning.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem stated, ‘Are we going to allow our people, our staff, the drivers or the teams to go at risk? No, of course not. We will not.’
Despite reassurances from F1 and FIA officials, including CEO Stefano Domenicali, many within the paddock hold ‘serious misgivings’ about competing in the region. The UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advises against non-essential travel to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
These warnings cite potential security risks, flight cancellations, and temporary airspace closures. Such disruptions could severely impact the logistics of transporting personnel and equipment for a Grand Prix.
As a contingency, the Imola circuit in Italy is being prepared as a potential replacement venue for a single season-ending race on December 6. A reported deadline of November 10 has been set for a decision on activating this alternative.
Should the Middle Eastern races be cancelled after this date, the 2026 season could conclude prematurely in Las Vegas on November 22. This highlights the fluid nature of the current calendar situation.
The 2026 season has already seen significant changes due to the conflict. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was cancelled in April.
The Bahrain Grand Prix, originally scheduled for April, was relocated to Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit in October. This one-off event proved successful, leading to discussions about Sepang’s permanent return to the calendar.
Looking ahead to 2027, the season is provisionally scheduled to open with races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in March. However, these events are also in jeopardy if regional conditions do not improve.
A contingency plan for the 2027 season opener involves starting the championship in China, followed by Japan. This demonstrates the ongoing need for flexible calendar arrangements.
The impact of the Middle East conflict extends beyond Formula 1. The 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia has been postponed by almost a year due to missile attacks.
The 2027 Dakar Rally, initially planned for Saudi Arabia, has been moved to Portugal and Morocco. The 2026 WTA Finals were also relocated from Saudi Arabia to Indian Wells, USA.
MotoGP has also been affected, with Yamaha withdrawing from the Qatar Grand Prix this weekend due to security concerns. This decision has amplified concerns within the F1 paddock.
Other sporting events, including football’s Saudi Pro League and AFC Champions League, tennis’s Six Kings Slam, boxing, WWE, esports, cycling, golf, and triathlon, have faced cancellations, postponements, or venue changes.
