# Formula 1 Middle East race uncertainty

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/formula-1-middle-east-race-uncertainty
> Updated: 2026-09-23T09:04:21.000Z. Sources: 29. Developments: 2.

The status of the final Formula 1 races in Qatar (November 29) and Abu Dhabi (December 6) remains uncertain due to regional instability involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. While previous disruptions led to the cancellation of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and the rescheduling of the Bahrain Grand Prix to Malaysia, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has maintained that the safety of drivers, teams, and staff is the primary priority.

Formula 1 officials are expected to reach a definitive decision regarding the season finale location by mid-October. If the Middle Eastern events are canceled, the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola has been identified as the primary contingency venue. To prepare for this possibility, organizers in Imola have been given the green light to begin preparations, including the construction of temporary grandstands. Formula 1 is expected to cover the financial risks associated with these preparations to ensure a season finale can be guaranteed.

While some have raised concerns regarding December weather in Italy, Audi team principal Mattia Binotto suggested that temperatures in Imola are manageable compared to other late-season venues. Driver Lewis Hamilton has expressed support for proceeding with the planned Middle East races, stating, ‘I personally want to go. I love going to the Middle East,’ though he noted he lacks full information regarding exact risk levels and stated he trusts CEO Stefano Domenicali to make the correct decision for the sport.

## Claims

- He personally wants to race in the Middle East and trusts F1 leadership to make the right decision. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The Bahrain Grand Prix has been rescheduled to take place at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- A decision regarding the season finale will be made by mid-October. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Grand Prix in Qatar is scheduled for November 29 and Abu Dhabi for December 6. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Imola is a candidate to host the season finale if the Middle East races are cancelled. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-23: Formula 1 to decide on Middle East season finale by mid-October

Formula 1 will decide by mid-October if the season finale will stay in Qatar and Abu Dhabi or move to Imola due to Middle East tensions. Lewis Hamilton supports racing in the Middle East.

25 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lewis-hamilton-supports-planned-middle-east-formula-1-races

### 2026-09-07: FIA President defends status of Middle East Formula 1 races

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem says F1 is not rushing to cancel the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix, though safety remains the priority amid Middle East security uncertainties.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fia-president-defends-status-of-middle-east-formula-1-races

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Cite as: Formula 1 Middle East race uncertainty. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/formula-1-middle-east-race-uncertainty