F1 to finish 2026 season in Middle East despite conflict

Formula 1 is going ahead with plans to hold the final two rounds of the 2026 season in the Middle East, after a deadline passed for moving one of the races to Imola. A contingency arrangement had been in place for the Italian circuit to host a season-ending race in early December, but organisers were told on Tuesday that it would not be required.

F1 cancelled its April races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia because of conflict in the region, and the situation has continued to cast doubt over the Qatar and Abu Dhabi rounds. The Qatar Grand Prix is scheduled for November 27-29, followed by Abu Dhabi from December 4-6. F1 president Stefano Domenicali has said the races will proceed as planned unless the situation deteriorates, with safety remaining his priority.