F1 keeps Middle East season finale plans despite safety concerns

Formula One is continuing with its scheduled Middle East races, with Imola stood down as a back-up venue for the season finale. The Qatar race is due on 29 November and the Abu Dhabi round on 6 December, which would close the 2026 campaign.

The April rounds in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were cancelled when the war in the region broke out, and the Bahrain event was instead held in Malaysia in September. With the situation having somewhat stabilised in recent months, F1 management has retained confidence in finishing the season as planned.

A meeting between key stakeholders reportedly took place on Tuesday, with teams seeking detail on contingency plans should an escalation occur. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said on Instagram that the governing body was fully prepared and committed to delivering both Grands Prix weekends.