F1 to finish season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi
Formula 1 has confirmed the 2026 season will end with races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, with Imola no longer needed as a back-up. The decision stands despite an ongoing conflict, and F1 says it will cancel if conditions deteriorate.
IllustrationThe story so far
On 3 November, Formula 1 told its 11 teams that the 2026 season would still end with races in Qatar on 29 November and Abu Dhabi on 6 December, after Yamaha pulled out of a MotoGP race in Qatar. Max Verstappen said he did not expect a similar split in the F1 paddock, but his view depended on safety guarantees. F1 also had a Plan B at Imola, with a fallback date of 6 December in Europe.
By 10 November, F1 had told Imola it would not be needed as a back-up, confirming the Qatar Grand Prix for 27 to 29 November and Abu Dhabi for 4 to 6 December. The decision came despite an ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, and F1 said it would cancel if conditions deteriorated. Teams were supportive, and the season would complete a Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi triple-header.
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2 updates · newest first- 10 NovNew development
F1 to finish season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi after Imola stands down
Formula 1 has told Imola it will not be needed as a back-up for the season-ending races, confirming plans to hold the Qatar Grand Prix on 27-29 November and Abu Dhabi on 4-6 December. The decision comes despite the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, with F1 saying it will cancel if conditions deteriorate. Teams are supportive, and the season will complete a Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi triple-header.
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- 3 NovNew development
F1 says Qatar and Abu Dhabi races will go ahead as Verstappen doubts split
Formula 1 has told its 11 teams that the 2026 season will still end with races in Qatar on November 29 and Abu Dhabi on December 6, after Yamaha pulled out of this week's MotoGP race in Qatar. Max Verstappen said he does not expect a similar split in the F1 paddock, but his view depends on safety guarantees. F1 has a Plan B at Imola, with a fallback date of December 6 in Europe.