Formula 1 is increasingly confident that its 2026 season will conclude in Qatar and Abu Dhabi despite tensions in the Middle East. The championship has dropped Imola as a backup venue after informing the Italian circuit that it will not host the season finale.F1 finale to go ahead as plan. (AP Photo) Formula 1 is preparing to bring its 2026 season to a close in the Middle East, with the governing body confident that the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix will go ahead despite the ongoing tensions in the region.The status of the two races had been uncertain since the Iran war forced changes to the F1 calendar, with the Bahrain Grand Prix moved to Malaysia and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix cancelled.
With security concerns continuing to cast a shadow over the Middle East races, F1 had also explored the possibility of using Italy's Imola circuit as a backup venue for the season finale.However, those contingency plans have now been dropped, with F1 informing Imola and the teams that there will be no race at the Italian circuit, according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.The latest development suggests that F1 is increasingly confident about completing its season as originally planned, with the championship set to conclude with back-to-back races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem also struck a confident note, saying that preparations for the two races were progressing as planned."The countdown is on," Ben Sulayem said in a post on Instagram. "We are ready for Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
We are fully prepared and committed to delivering two outstanding Grand Prix weekends and a spectacular conclusion to the FIA Formula One World Championship."He added that the FIA was working closely with its partners to ensure everything was in place for the drivers, teams and fans. However, he did not provide specific details about the security arrangements.F1 DROPS IMOLA BACKUP PLANImola had emerged as a potential alternative after uncertainty surrounding the Middle East races forced F1 to explore contingency options.
The Italian circuit hosted the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix until 2025 but was not part of the 2026 calendar.F1 had begun preliminary preparations with local authorities at Imola, keeping the circuit available in case the situation in the Middle East deteriorated. However, with the decision deadline approaching, the championship has now informed the circuit that its services will not be required.The decision does not mean F1 will proceed with the Middle East races regardless of the security situation.
Safety concerns remain a priority, and the possibility of a late change cannot be entirely ruled out if conditions worsen. All 11 teams have supported the decision to stick with the planned schedule, according to Reuters.THREE RACES LEFT IN THE 2026 F1 SEASONThe 2026 Formula 1 season has three races remaining, beginning with the Las Vegas Grand Prix on November 21.
The championship will then head to Qatar on November 29 before concluding at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi on December 6.Kimi Antonelli has already secured the drivers' championship, becoming the youngest world champion in F1 history. Mercedes have also clinched the constructors' title.The Middle East double-header will therefore bring the curtain down on the season, with F1 hoping to complete its calendar without further disruption.- Ends