Formula 1 intends to conclude the 2026 season as originally scheduled, with the final two races set for Qatar and Abu Dhabi, despite ongoing hostilities in the Middle East. The confirmation, reported on 15 October 2026, comes after weeks of uncertainty over whether the sport would shift its season-ending triple header out of the region.

The Current Calendar and What Is at Stake

With six races remaining on the calendar, the season is set to close with a triple header spanning Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi. The final two grands prix have been the subject of intense scrutiny given the regional security situation. According to reports, F1 has maintained active contact with authorities in both host countries, and as of 15 October, the plan to race in the Middle East remains unchanged unless the sporting body announces otherwise.

What Audi and Team Principals Said

Audi team principal Mattia Binotto had previously indicated that a decision would be made by mid-October. 'As we discussed during the F1 Commission last Monday, mid-October is the last call for such a decision,' Binotto said at a press conference in Baku on 24 September. F1 has now effectively pushed back on proactively confirming an alternative venue, signalling confidence — at least for now — in the existing schedule.

Imola Waiting in the Wings

Italy's Imola circuit had reportedly been positioning itself as a contingency option should the Middle East races be abandoned. Under that scenario, the two cancelled races would have been replaced by a single grand prix at Imola, with one race slot dropped altogether. That plan has not been activated, though it reportedly remains available if circumstances change.

F1 CEO Confirms Qatar and Abu Dhabi

Speaking at the Bahrain Grand Prix held in Malaysia — itself a relocation — F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali stated unequivocally that the closing races would proceed. 'Yes, as we've already said, the calendar is confirmed: the last two Grands Prix will be in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. This is the direction we've taken based on the information and reassurances we have — and which we absolutely must have, of course. It's the strategy we'll apply until the end of the year,' Domenicali said.

Background: Earlier Cancellations and Relocations

The 2026 season has already been disrupted by the regional conflict. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and the Bahrain Grand Prix, both originally scheduled in April, were cancelled at that stage. The Bahrain race was subsequently relocated to Malaysia earlier this month, while the Saudi race was dropped from the calendar entirely. The decisions to keep Qatar and Abu Dhabi on the schedule reflect what Domenicali described as 'reassurances' from local authorities — though the sport has stopped short of committing to a final alternative plan publicly, leaving Imola as an unannounced insurance policy.

All eyes now turn to whether geopolitical conditions in the region hold steady as the season reaches its climax in the weeks ahead.