F1 Middle East Update: Still No Decision on Qatar and Abu Dhabi

If you're itching to know if Formula One will continue holding a race in the Middle East this year, you might have to wait longer. 

At a press conference after the Italian Grand Prix, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the organization is doing everything it can to prioritize the safety of F1 drivers and teams, which is why it hasn't yet decided on the status of the Middle East races.

He understands that there's a growing clamor around the F1 community, but the FIA is taking into account what both sides are saying. They are listening to the insights of the local promoters, while looking at possible alternative venues.

The Qatar Grand Prix is originally scheduled for November 29, while the season finale race in Abu Dhabi is set for December 6. Curiously, both races are still on the F1 calendar. 

Earlier in the season, F1 cancelled the 2026 Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix, citing the ongoing conflict and security situation in the Middle East. 

F1 has since replaced Bahrain with a return to the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia on October 2-4.  This marks the first F1 Grand Prix in Malaysia since 2017. 

Sporting and commercial complications make it difficult for the FIA to immediately cancel the Middle East races.  The races generate significant hosting revenue, with companies and investors from the Gulf region having deep relationships with the teams.

Cancelling or relocating will have huge financial ramifications for local promoters, broadcast contracts, and title sponsors.

On the other side, moving hundreds of paddock personnel, freight units, and media teams into regions subject to airspace closures or security threats carries immense liability for the FIA. If key logistics or travel routes are still deemed unsafe, the races' commercial importance won't override safety.

After all, that's what was in the FIA's mind when they cancelled the races at Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.  

Expect the FIA to look for a replacement event if those two Middle East races get cancelled. There are already rumors about the F1 grid returning to Imola towards the end of the year. 

But looking ahead to the present, we're excited to see how the F1 drivers navigate the new Madring Circuit during the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix. This will be a good one, for sure.