Stefano Domenicali confirms F1 will keep Qatar and Abu Dhabi races
- Formula 1 will keep its 2026 season finale in Abu Dhabi on December 6 and a round in Qatar on November 29, rejecting any calendar shifts caused by...
- Series organizers decided against rebuilding the schedule despite disruptions earlier in the season.
- Domenicali stated that this is the course they have taken based on the information and assurances available to them, which he noted they must naturally have, and that...
Formula 1 will keep its 2026 season finale in Abu Dhabi on December 6 and a round in Qatar on November 29, rejecting any calendar shifts caused by the regional conflict, lz.de reported. Managing director Stefano Domenicali confirmed the schedule during an interview with Sky Italia, ruling out a previously discussed move of the final race to Imola.
The Decision to Keep Qatar and Abu Dhabi
Series organizers decided against rebuilding the schedule despite disruptions earlier in the season. Domenicali explained the strategy while speaking to Sky Italia on the sidelines of the Grand Prix in Sepang.
Domenicali stated that this is the course they have taken based on the information and assurances available to them, which he noted they must naturally have, and that they will pursue this strategy until the end of the year.
Financial factors play a substantial role in maintaining the destination races. Katar and Abu Dhabi pay significant financial premiums to host Grands Prix, whereas earlier rounds in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were canceled due to the Iran conflict.
The Shift Away from Imola
Sticking to the original overseas finale takes the Imola circuit off the table as an emergency replacement venue. An event at Imola would have brought the season to a close close to Bologna, marking a key achievement for championship leader Kimi Antonelli as he chases the title to become Italy's first world champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953.
Instead, the desert calendar proceeds as planned, with the rescheduled Bahrain Grand Prix taking place at Malaysia’s Sepang circuit ahead of the final double-header in the Middle East.