FIA Confirms Qatar, Abu Dhabi Grands Prix Will Go Ahead Despite Middle East Tensions

Posted : 10 November 2026

The final two races of the 2026 Formula One season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi are expected to take place as scheduled despite continuing tensions in the Middle East, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has confirmed.

The Qatar Grand Prix is set for November 29, while the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will bring the championship to a close on December 6. Ben Sulayem said the governing body was prepared to deliver both events and welcome drivers, teams and spectators to the two venues.

In a message shared on social media on Tuesday, the FIA president expressed confidence in the preparations, saying the organisation remained committed to staging two successful race weekends and providing a fitting conclusion to the season.

His comments follow concerns about the security situation in the region, which has already disrupted the Formula One calendar. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was cancelled earlier this year after the outbreak of the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, while the Bahrain round was relocated to Malaysia.

Formula One had also considered Italy’s Imola circuit as a possible alternative venue in case the Middle Eastern races could not proceed. However, the sport has now dropped those contingency plans, with all 11 teams reportedly supporting the decision to keep the remaining events in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

Ben Sulayem’s reassurance is consistent with earlier comments from Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali, who had also indicated that the championship intended to maintain its original schedule.

Nevertheless, safety remains a priority, and the possibility of changes cannot be completely ruled out if conditions in the region deteriorate. The FIA has said it is continuing to monitor developments and work with relevant partners and authorities.

There have also been differing opinions among drivers about competing in the region, with four-time world champion Max Verstappen among those who have expressed reservations.

Meanwhile, the championship battles have already been settled. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli secured the 2026 drivers’ title, while his team clinched the constructors’ championship following the Brazilian Grand Prix in Sao Paulo.

The remaining races will therefore provide the final opportunity for teams and drivers to finish the season strongly before the sport heads into its next campaign.

FIA Confirms Qatar, Abu Dhabi Grands Prix Will Go Ahead Despite Middle East Tensions

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