Formula 1 will keep the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix on the 2026 calendar despite ongoing concerns surrounding the conflict involving Iran. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said the championship has received assurances that allow the final two races of the season to proceed as originally scheduled.
The status of the two races had been questioned after the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix were canceled in April amid the security situation involving Iran.
Four-time world champion Max Verstappen was among those who recently called on Formula 1 to consider postponing or canceling the remaining Middle Eastern races, arguing that the situation needed to be taken seriously.
However, Domenicali has now confirmed that there is currently no plan to alter the schedule.
Domenicali confirms Qatar and Abu Dhabi plans
Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, Domenicali said Formula 1 intends to follow its original 2026 calendar.
“Formula 1 will adhere to the original calendar. Based on the assurances we have received, the final two races will take place in Qatar and Abu Dhabi,” Domenicali said.
The F1 boss stressed that the decision had been made using the information and assurances available to the championship.
“This is the direction we have taken based on the information and assurances available to us – and it is absolutely essential that we have this, that goes without saying.”
The Qatar Grand Prix is scheduled for November 27-29, followed one week later by the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from December 4-6.
For now, both events therefore remain scheduled to host the final two rounds of the 2026 season.
Bahrain and Saudi Arabia races already cancelled
The decision comes after Formula 1 was forced to make major changes to its calendar earlier this year.
The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix were canceled in April because of the regional security situation involving Iran. While Saudi Arabia will not receive a replacement race, Bahrain’s event has effectively been relocated to Malaysia this weekend.
Alternative venues had previously been discussed for the affected races, with Imola among the circuits considered as a possible replacement.
Formula 1 has instead chosen to maintain the original Qatar and Abu Dhabi dates, subject to the security assurances received by the championship.
Malaysia becomes an unusual exception
Domenicali also discussed the decision to stage the rescheduled Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
The Sepang weekend is intended to replace Bahrain on the 2026 calendar, although Domenicali acknowledged that holding the event in Malaysia required significant cooperation from the Malaysian authorities.
“First of all, it is certainly a very special event, but the beauty of it is that you really feel like you are in Bahrain. All the facilities convey this atmosphere.”
Domenicali added that the arrangement would have been difficult without the support of the Malaysian authorities.
The response from fans has nevertheless been encouraging, with Domenicali noting the strong attendance during the opening days of the weekend.
“The fact that there were already more spectators in the stands on Friday than at the last race in 2017 shows that the passion is still palpable, even though Formula 1 hasn’t been to Malaysia for so long. That’s a wonderful sign.”
Verstappen concerns remain part of the discussion
The confirmation comes despite Verstappen and others raising questions about whether Formula 1 should continue racing in the region while the wider security situation involving Iran remains uncertain.
Domenicali’s comments indicate that, based on the assurances currently available to Formula 1, there is no intention to change the final two rounds at this stage.
The Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix are therefore set to remain the closing events of the 2026 championship, with Qatar scheduled for November 27-29 and Abu Dhabi following from December 4-6.
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