F1: Domenicali confirms Qatar and Abu Dhabi to end 2026

Stefano Domenicali, head of Formula 1, has said from the Sepang paddock that the 2026 season will end as planned in Qatar and then Abu Dhabi. He spoke to Sky Sports Italia during the weekend of the Bahrain Grand Prix held in Malaysia. In his words, the calendar is confirmed: the final two Grands Prix will take place in those two countries.

The dates to note

• Qatar Grand Prix, at Lusail: 27 to 29 November.
• Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the season finale: 4 to 6 December.

Both races have stayed on the official calendar throughout the period of uncertainty linked to the situation in the Middle East. The Qatari federation also said last month that preparations were continuing.

Why the suspense?

The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix could not be held at their original venues in April, because of the conflict in the Middle East and its effects on airspace, freight and travel. Saudi Arabia was eventually cancelled for 2026. Bahrain received an unusual arrangement: the race is being run at Sepang, from 2 to 4 October, while keeping the Bahrain Grand Prix name and its Gulf Air title sponsor.

The deal between F1, the FIA and the governments of Bahrain and Malaysia brings Formula 1 back to Malaysia for the first time since 2017. More than 1,000 people from Bahrain travelled to help stage the event. The calendar has therefore been able to keep its 23 rounds.

The fallback plan is still there

Domenicali is not ruling out any change: according to F1journaal, an end-of-season alteration remains possible, but it would have to be decided several weeks in advance. F1 and the FIA are monitoring the situation with promoters, local authorities and security specialists.

Imola is the most frequently mentioned fallback for a European finish. According to Speedcafe, preparations, including the installation of temporary grandstands, have reportedly been started as a precaution, and Portimão and Istanbul have also been mentioned. Crash.net reported in early October that a final decision was expected by mid-October.

What it means for fans

For spectators and teams, the news is above all a signal: no change is planned at this stage. Unless the security situation shifts, the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia should be the last major alteration to the 2026 calendar, and the season remains scheduled for 23 races, from Sepang to Abu Dhabi.