FIA backs F1 season finale in Qatar and Abu Dhabi

The FIA and its president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, have reaffirmed that the Formula 1 season will end as planned in the Middle East, with the final triple header taking in Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi. Instability in the region following the start of the United States-Iran war in March has created uncertainty throughout the year.

Contingency plans are in place, with Imola on standby to host a one-off round in early December should Formula 1 decide it is not safe to visit Qatar and Abu Dhabi. MotoGP recently held a round in Qatar, which the report suggests provides further reassurance. There has been no recent escalation in hostilities between the United States and Iran.

Earlier in 2026, strikes across the Gulf affected the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, led to the Bahrain Grand Prix being moved to Malaysia in October, and resulted in the cancellation of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Ben Sulayem said: "We are fully focused on delivering two exceptional grand prix weekends."