The upcoming Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix, which are meant to wrap up the Formula 1 2026 season, are expected to take place as scheduled unless there is a significant escalation in the conflict involving Iran.
Since the onset of the conflict in late February, triggered by strikes from both the United States and Israel on Iran, the stability of the Middle East has been shaken. Various motorsport schedules have been affected, particularly F1, which saw the cancellation of its Saudi Arabian event and a postponement of the race in Bahrain, now set to occur in Malaysia.
Formula 1 is rigorously monitoring developments and has identified Imola as a backup location for the season conclusion, should Qatar and Abu Dhabi be unable to host their races in early December.
Recently, Lusail successfully hosted a MotoGP event without significant incidents, although both Yamaha teams opted out of participation due to the ongoing geopolitical concerns.
The final decision regarding Imola was needed by November 10, but it has been confirmed that it will not be required to prepare for an extra grand prix within the next few weeks.
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls
Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
Consequently, the 2026 campaign will conclude with the proposed triple-header of Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi, with travel advisories and insurance currently permitting this arrangement.
Nonetheless, there is an important consideration: Formula 1 recognizes that it cannot assure consistency concerning the situation by the beginning of December and emphasizes that safety will be its primary concern if the conflict heightens.
Team principals have adopted a clear perspective regarding this issue; they place their confidence in F1 and the FIA to reach appropriate decisions.
“I have faith that they will make sound decisions for all of us,” stated Ferrari’s team boss Fred Vasseur in Mexico. “Personally, I have a desire to race, regardless of the location. I’m willing to go wherever instructed.”
“Stefano and Mohammed have communicated clearly that Formula 1 will adhere to international directives, be it travel limitations, airlines halting flights, or regional warnings and feedback from local governments,” remarked his Mercedes counterpart, Toto Wolff, during a press conference on Friday in Interlagos. “It involves not just the promoters, but also the actions taken by local authorities, which is essential to rely upon, in my view, and I support that fully.
Toto Wolff, Mercedes
Photo by: Mark Sutton / Formula 1 via Getty Images
“If athletes choose to speak out on issues they might not fully understand, even though they have an audience willing to listen, it creates media value. I would have acted similarly to how MotoGP management has handled it. If one wants to participate, they can; if not, they have that choice. It’s a straightforward decision, allowing everyone to make their choices, which I respect.
“However, one must stay alert to the developments of the coming days and weeks, and Stefano is closely monitoring the situation. If circumstances were to deteriorate, he, along with Mohammed, would take the necessary actions to ensure the safety of those traveling. This is the reasoning behind following their guidance.
“Internally, from what I’ve gathered, this hasn’t been brought up as a matter of discussion. Nevertheless, if anyone feels uncomfortable about traveling, I will always respect that decision. In such cases, perhaps it might provide another opportunity for someone else. This doesn’t alter our relationship, as I’ve always valued the opinions of those who are reluctant to attend certain GPs, and that is my current perspective on the situation.”
Additional reporting by Ronald Vording
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