Formula 1 is still planning to close its 2026 season with races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, despite the dispute that has followed Yamaha’s decision to withdraw from the upcoming MotoGP event in Qatar. MotoGP maintains that its race will go ahead, describing Yamaha’s boycott as disappointing and warning the Japanese manufacturer that sporting implications could follow.

The issue has developed into a wider disagreement involving riders, manufacturers and the championship. A letter is reported to have been signed by 19 of MotoGP’s 22 riders, expressing concerns about racing in Qatar amid the continuing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. Because Liberty Media organises MotoGP and also owns Formula 1, the two championships’ Middle East plans are now being discussed together.

The 2026 schedule remains in place

Formula 1’s planned double-header begins with the Qatar Grand Prix on 27-29 November 2026 and continues with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on 4-6 December 2026. A letter sent to the F1 teams during the Mexico Grand Prix weekend reiterated that Formula 1 intends to finish the season with those two races. Teams had also been notified in advance that Yamaha would leave the Qatar MotoGP event, while the other manufacturers and MotoGP still intend to travel there.

Travel and insurance advice has not changed. Formula 1 has been told that no attacks on civilian infrastructure have taken place in Qatar or the United Arab Emirates since May. A return to the level of escalation seen in the region at the beginning of the year could still force a change of plan. The results of Tuesday’s US midterm elections and Israel’s political situation after its recent elections may also affect the plans for both championships.

Teams are relying on the FIA’s assessment

The position expressed by teams and drivers is that Formula 1 and the FIA should assess the situation and make the final call. Driver comments have been notably cautious, with Carlos Sainz quickly reversing remarks he made during the FIA press conference ahead of the United States Grand Prix.

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies said that evaluating the situation properly was the responsibility of Formula 1 and the FIA, adding that the teams “fully rely on them to make the right call”. He also noted that logistics are already channelled through the two organisations. Williams team principal James Vowles said that F1 and the FIA had been providing regular updates and had both a Plan B and a Plan C, stressing that the decision was not being taken lightly.

Imola is being prepared as a contingency venue for the Formula 1 season finale if the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races are cancelled. For now, the calendar remains active, but its Middle East finale continues to depend on how the regional security and political situation develops.