F1 Plans to Wrap Up 2026 Season in the Middle East

Final Two Races in the Middle East

Formula 1 is advancing with plans to conclude its 2026 racing season with two crucial events in the Middle East. Despite earlier uncertainties, the F1 leadership confirmed that both races will remain in their scheduled locations, dismissing any notion of relocating them to Italy's Imola.

Imola's Cancellation and Race Schedule

Originally, a contingency plan was devised to host the final race in Imola during the first week of December. However, F1 executives announced this week that Imola would not be needed, affirming their commitment to the last two races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

The Qatar Grand Prix is slated for November 27-29, followed closely by the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from December 4-6. These two races form a part of a busy triple-header, commencing with the Las Vegas Grand Prix from November 20-22.

Commitment to Safety and Future Races

F1 president Stefano Domenicali has consistently reiterated the intention to hold the concluding races at their designated circuits unless significant security issues arise in the region. He emphasized the importance of safety for all individuals associated with F1 and indicated readiness to cancel events if the situation worsens.

Teams and drivers have shown strong confidence in F1 officials' decisions regarding safety protocols. So far, there have been no indications from any of the 11 teams expressing opposition to the phase-out of the season.

Season Overview and Championship Update

This season is poised to finish one race short of the planned 24, following the adjustment made for the Bahrain Grand Prix, which was rehosted in Malaysia earlier this October. Kimi Antonelli has already claimed the F1 drivers' championship title in Mexico City, while Mercedes sealed the constructors' championship shortly thereafter in Brazil.

In anticipation of the final two races, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem reassured fans and participants via social media that everything is in place for an exhilarating conclusion to the series. “We are looking forward to delivering two outstanding Grands Prix weekends and an incredible finale to the championship,” he stated.

Formula 1 will next take center stage in Las Vegas, with the Grand Prix scheduled to air live on Sky Sports F1 from November 20-22.