Formula 1 Postpones Decision on Qatar and UAE Races Until September

Pulse Sports Team 12:35 - 22 August 2026

Formula 1 management will decide on the Qatar and UAE Grands Prix by mid-September, according to President and CEO Stefano Domenicali, speaking to Motorsport Nextgen Auto.

In March, Formula 1 canceled the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian rounds due to the regional situation. These events were originally scheduled for April. Formula 1 later announced the relocation of the Bahrain Grand Prix to Malaysia.

“We are in contact with all other championships. For example, the World Endurance Championship (WEC) will not be held in the Middle East at the end of the season and will remain in Europe. Our position is to give ourselves as much time as possible to assess the situation and make a decision at the appropriate moment. That decision will be made sometime after mid-September,” Domenicali stated.

He outlined the championship organizers' contingency plan.

“If the initial plan becomes unfeasible, we will conclude the season in Europe, as we won't be able to travel to other regions. So, the final race would take place in Europe. We are considering several options, but it's inappropriate to make any promises or predictions at this moment,” the Formula 1 president added.

The Qatar Grand Prix is scheduled for November 27-29, and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for December 4-6. These are expected to be the final races of the current season.