F1 confirms 2026 season finale with new update

Formula One Management has confirmed that the F1 2026 season will end in the Middle East, with preparations in Imola stood down.

As reported by PlanetF1.com earlier, Qatar and Abu Dhabi have been locked in as the closing rounds of the campaign.

F1 confirms Qatar and Abu Dhabi on 2026 calendar

After months of debate as to whether F1 will race in the Middle East this year, a decision has finally been locked in, with Imola informed that it will not be required to host an early-December race.

Due to increased conflict in the region, the Saudi Arabian and Bahrain rounds were postponed at the start of the year, with the latter recently taking place after a deal was struck that allowed Malaysia to host the race.

Teams and drivers largely backed the FIA and FOM in Brazil last weekend, as questions grew on where the season would conclude.

F1 has now informed teams that Qatar and Abu Dhabi will go ahead as placed, as has officially been the stance throughout, with FOM maintaining that the calendar would progress as planned, albeit with the Imola safeguard added.

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The decision was taken with the view that Imola could not be left on standby indefinitely, with F1 footing the bill for preparations at the track in case it was called into action.

The championship has kept a watchful eye on the situation in the Middle East throughout the year, and noted that nothing has developed negatively in the region, making specific reference to the situation in both Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

With no travel exclusions, insurance remaining valid, and the successful running of MotoGP in Qatar last weekend, the business-as-usual nature of things in the two countries means that all 11 teams are supportive of concluding the season as planned.

Despite Imola being stood down, F1 maintains that it will continue to keep an eye on the situation, and will not hesitate to do the right thing should things develop negatively, with the safety of all involved the clear priority.

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