No backup plan needed: F1 finals to go ahead in Qatar and Abu Dhabi
Formula 1 is preparing to end the 2026 season in the Middle East, with the governing body confident the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will go ahead despite ongoing tensions in the region.
The status of the two races was uncertain as the war in Iran forced changes to the F1 calendar, with the Bahrain Grand Prix moved to Malaysia and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix cancelled. As security concerns continue to cast a shadow over races in the Middle East, F1 has also explored the possibility of using Italy’s Imola circuit as a back-up venue for the season finale.
However, those contingency plans have now been abandoned and F1 has informed Imola and the teams that there will be no racing at the Italian circuit, according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.
The latest developments suggest F1 is increasingly confident of completing its season as originally planned, with the championship ending with back-to-back races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem also expressed confidence when he said preparations for the two races were proceeding according to plan.
“The countdown is on,” Ben Sulayem said in an Instagram post.
“We are ready for Qatar and Abu Dhabi. We are fully prepared and committed to deliver two outstanding Grand Prix weekends and a spectacular conclusion to the FIA Formula 1 World Championship.”
He added that the FIA is working closely with its partners to ensure that everything is in place for drivers, teams and fans. However, he did not give specific details about security measures.
F1 CANCELS IMOLA BACKUP PLAN
Imola emerged as a potential alternative after uncertainty surrounding the Middle East race forced F1 to explore contingency options. The Italian circuit hosted the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix until 2025, but was not part of the 2026 calendar.
F1 has started preliminary preparations with the local authorities in Imola to make the circuit available in case the situation in the Middle East worsens. However, with the decision deadline looming, the championship has now informed the circuit that his services will not be required.
The decision does not mean F1 will continue to race in the Middle East regardless of the security situation. Safety remains a priority and the possibility of a late change cannot be completely ruled out if conditions deteriorate. All 11 teams supported the decision to stick to the planned schedule, Reuters reported.
THREE RACES REMAINING IN THE 2026 F1 SEASON
There are three races left in the 2026 Formula 1 season, starting with the Las Vegas Grand Prix on November 21. The championship then heads to Qatar on November 29 and concludes at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi on December 6.
Kimi Antonelli has already secured the drivers’ championship and became the youngest world champion in F1 history. Mercedes also secured the constructors’ title.
So the Middle East double-header will bring the curtain down on the season, with F1 hoping to complete its calendar without further disruption.
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