F1 Delays Qatar & Abu Dhabi Call Until Mid-September
The WEC has already pulled its season finale out of the Middle East. Formula 1 says it isn't ready to make that call yet, but it's watching closely.
Formula 1 will wait until after mid-September before deciding whether Qatar and Abu Dhabi can safely remain at the end of the 2026 calendar, with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali confirming the sport is now coordinating with other major championships.
Why Qatar and Abu Dhabi Are in Doubt
Domenicali revealed that F1 is watching how other series respond to the continuing instability in the Middle East. "We are in contact with all the other championships," he said. "For example, the WEC World Endurance Championship has announced that it will not go to the Middle East at the end of the season and will stay in Europe."
Domenicali stressed that Formula 1 has not made the same call. "Our position is to take as much time as possible to assess how the situation develops and make a decision at the appropriate time. That decision will be made sometime after mid-September."
For now, Qatar and Abu Dhabi remain confirmed on the 2026 calendar and both races are already sold out.
The Fallback: Finishing the Season in Europe
If the situation deteriorates, Domenicali says the season would finish in Europe instead. "If the original plan becomes impossible, we will end the season in Europe because we cannot go to other regions. We are considering several options, but it is not appropriate to promise or predict anything at this time."
Imola has been mentioned as one possibility, although Domenicali stressed that no agreement exists.
Where F1's Calendar Is Headed Next
The wider calendar strategy may also become less dependent on the Middle East after this year's disruptions contributed heavily to a decline in Liberty Media's revenue. Domenicali says Europe is becoming more important again, while China and the broader Far East are also growing rapidly.
"We are keeping a close eye on Europe because the numbers are growing and it is becoming an important market again," he said. "The Far East market is becoming a new region with dramatic and positive growth potential."
Africa also remains firmly in play. "All I can say is that negotiations in Africa are progressing very well," said the F1 CEO. "Portugal will host the event next year, and Turkey has also been added to the list. This means there are other places where we can host the Grand Prix in the future."
Related: F1 Revenue Drops 38% as 2026 Season Now Shrinks to 23 Races
2 F1 Fan comments on “F1 Delays Qatar & Abu Dhabi Call Until Mid-September”
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He said all these things 2-3 weeks to nearly a month ago, so nothing new anymore.
The middle easts a liability for liberty but we will continue to milk it for all we can get(internal memo to steffi and the bigger shareholders), doesnt the Fia have a say whether a race can go ahead, it was quick enough to ban Russia, oh wait, whose the dictator ruling of the Fia...!