Formula 1 Presses Ahead With Qatar and Abu Dhabi Season Finale

What changed

Formula 1 is pressing ahead with its planned season finale in the Middle East. Qatar is scheduled for 27–29 November, followed by Abu Dhabi from 4–6 December.

Imola has been told it is no longer needed as a backup venue. The Italian circuit stood down preparations on Tuesday, though F1 says it could still cancel both races if the regional security situation worsens.

Why it matters

This leaves F1 committed to its default ending, but with a clear escape hatch. The sport says conditions in Qatar and Abu Dhabi have not deteriorated in recent months, travel advice still permits visits, insurance remains valid and business activity has returned to normal. The teams are also described as supportive.

The decision is not risk-free. Senior F1 figures remain uneasy because both races are near the Strait of Hormuz, where missile strikes are continuing. Saudi Arabia, which borders both countries, has also seen attacks from Houthi rebels, prompting several event cancellations or postponements.

There is money and influence tied to the calendar too. Qatar and Abu Dhabi pay substantial fees to host races and are closely linked to F1 teams through sponsorship and investment. Qatar’s sovereign investment fund partly owns Audi, while Abu Dhabi is linked to McLaren.

Earlier races show how quickly plans can change. The Saudi Arabian and Bahrain events scheduled for April were cancelled or moved after the conflict began; Bahrain was eventually held at Malaysia’s Sepang circuit in October.

For now, F1’s message is straightforward: the finale remains Qatar, then Abu Dhabi, unless the security picture changes enough to force another reversal.