The 2026 season will end where it was always meant to end. On Tuesday, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem confirmed that the Qatar Grand Prix on November 29 and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 6 will go ahead as scheduled, despite months of tension across the Middle East, AFP reported via Khaleej Times. The decision closes the door on the contingency that had kept the paddock guessing: a surprise season finale at Imola.
The message from the top
Ben Sulayem made the announcement on social media. "We are ready for Qatar and Abu Dhabi," he wrote. "We are fully prepared and committed to delivering two outstanding grands prix weekends and a spectacular conclusion to the Formula One world championship. We look forward to welcoming drivers, teams and fans to two iconic circuits for an unforgettable finish to the season. See you on the grid."
The post echoed comments made by F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali last month, according to the same AFP report. A day earlier, Ben Sulayem had told The National that every event is assessed individually against the latest security advice and travel conditions, and that the federation's position was for both races to proceed as planned.
A calendar rewritten twice already
The confirmation lands after a season in which the region has already reshaped the schedule. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was scrapped after the outbreak of war between the United States, Israel and Iran, and the Bahrain round was postponed and moved to Malaysia, per AFP. PlanetF1 notes that the Bahrain slot brought the fan-favourite Sepang circuit back onto the calendar.
The concern has not been limited to F1. PlanetF1 also points to Yamaha's decision to boycott the MotoGP round in Qatar last weekend, while GPblog reports that the MotoGP weekend itself ran without incident, a result that strengthened confidence the region could host the final two Grands Prix.
Imola's December, packed away
The Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari had been the main fallback. Under the backup plan, Qatar would have been cancelled without a replacement and the final round moved to Imola on Sunday, December 6, il Resto del Carlino reports. The circuit had gone further than paperwork: temporary grandstands from past Emilia-Romagna Grands Prix were already being assembled, according to Formula1.it. GPblog reports that Formula 1 will cover the costs the circuit has already incurred.
The near miss carries a particular sting in Italy. Kimi Antonelli, who grew up in Bologna, has already wrapped up the drivers' title for Mercedes, and ANSA notes that he is the first Italian champion in 73 years, since Alberto Ascari. An Imola finale would have handed the country a home coronation lap. Instead, the youngest champion in the sport's history will take his bow under the floodlights of Yas Marina.
The decision closes the door on the contingency that had kept the paddock guessing: a surprise season finale at Imola.
The run-in, as it now stands
With both championships settled, after Mercedes sealed the constructors' crown at a rain-hit São Paulo, the final three rounds become a showcase rather than a decider:
- Las Vegas Grand Prix, November 19 to 21, with the race under the lights of the Strip on Saturday night. The full weekend is in our Las Vegas guide.
- Qatar Grand Prix, November 27 to 29, at Lusail International Circuit.
- Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, December 4 to 6, at Yas Marina Circuit.
For travellers who had been holding off on Gulf bookings until the calendar was certain, the wait is over. The security picture remains under review, and the FIA has said it will keep acting on official advice, so anyone flying in should keep an eye on airline and government travel guidance in the weeks ahead.
