# 2026 Formula 1 season finale planning > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/2026-formula-1-season-finale-planning > Updated: 2026-10-22T20:04:46.000Z. Sources: 42. Developments: 4. Preparations are underway for the 2026 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit, scheduled for December 3–6. The event will feature 11 Formula 1 teams and include the Formula 2 Championship and the debut of the AZM GT championship. Despite escalating military tensions in the Middle East, including missile strikes in Saudi Arabia and ongoing geopolitical friction involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, Formula 1 and Formula 2 officials have reaffirmed that the season finale will proceed in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has expressed confidence in the scheduled races, defending the safety of the region. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has maintained that holding the final races in the Middle East remains the primary plan, though contingency plans exist to move the season finale to Imola, Italy, should regional instability escalate. Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) director Carlos Sainz has expressed skepticism regarding the certainty of the races. Describing the current confidence as ‘premature’, Sainz cited the volatile geopolitical situation and upcoming political developments as variables that could alter the feasibility of the races. This skepticism follows earlier season disruptions where races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were canceled due to regional conflict, resulting in the Bahrain Grand Prix being rescheduled in Malaysia. ## Claims - Carlos Sainz expressed doubt about the safety of racing in Qatar and Abu Dhabi due to Middle East tensions. (corroborated by 11 sources) - FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem maintains that the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix will proceed as scheduled. (corroborated by 8 sources) - The Qatar Grand Prix is scheduled for November 29. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Two-thirds of MotoGP riders reportedly voted against racing in Qatar due to security concerns. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Imola is being prepared as a potential alternative venue for the season finale. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The Bahrain Grand Prix was rescheduled to Malaysia earlier this year. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is scheduled for December 6. (corroborated by 4 sources) - MotoGP organizers intend to hold the Qatar Grand Prix on November 6-8. (corroborated by 4 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-22: Middle East tensions cast doubt on F1 and MotoGP season finales Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have prompted Formula 1 and MotoGP drivers to question the safety of upcoming season finales in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, despite organizers' intentions to proceed. 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/carlos-sainz-expresses-doubt-over-middle-east-f1-races ### 2026-10-20: FIA President confirms Qatar and Abu Dhabi F1 races will proceed FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem confirms the Qatar and Abu Dhabi F1 Grands Prix will proceed as planned, citing personal confidence in regional safety despite ongoing Middle East tensions. 22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fia-confirms-f1-races-in-qatar-and-abu-dhabi-to-proceed-as-planned ### 2026-10-15: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix preparations begin for 2026 season The 2026 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is set for December 3-6 at Yas Marina Circuit, featuring 11 F1 teams and the debut of the AZM GT support race alongside the Yasalam music festival. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/abu-dhabi-grand-prix-preparations-begin-for-2026-season ### 2026-10-14: Formula 1 maintains Qatar and Abu Dhabi races despite Middle East tensions Formula 1 and Formula 2 intend to hold their season finales in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, though the Imola circuit remains a contingency plan due to rising military tensions in the Middle East. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/formula-1-confirms-2026-season-finale-in-qatar-and-abu-dhabi --- Cite as: 2026 Formula 1 season finale planning. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/2026-formula-1-season-finale-planning