Possible Cancellation of Qatar and Abu Dhabi Races in Formula 1

Formula 1 is at the center of attention as the 2026 season nears its end, due to developments in the Arabian Peninsula. Yamaha's withdrawal from the MotoGP race in Qatar for safety reasons, and concerns that Houthi missile fragments, intercepted by air defense systems, could hit the Aramco headquarters in Saudi Arabia, have increased worries. Travel warnings issued by many countries for the region have also prompted Formula 1 management to activate its emergency plans.

According to Spanish press reports relayed by SoyMotor, the FIA and Liberty Media, which holds Formula 1's commercial rights, are about to announce a critical decision that will determine the fate of the calendar. The management's main plan is to keep the races on the current schedule. However, because of rising risk factors, removing the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix from the calendar at the same time has become a serious possibility.

In this scenario, the historic Imola circuit in Italy stands out as the first alternative. However, it is reported that Imola needs at least two months to prepare for an event of this scale. If the Italian option runs into logistical obstacles and the Middle East races are cancelled, the Las Vegas Grand Prix on the calendar could become a surprise finale to the 2026 season.

Teams are also taking steps to protect their personnel. Mercedes, which has already clinched the constructors' championship, announced that it will give its staff free choice over whether to travel to the region. A similar approach is expected at other teams. Recalling that the 2022 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix went ahead even though a missile hit a refinery about 40 kilometers from the track, it is noted that this time the attitude of teams and event staff is much more cautious.

A possible cancellation would also change the sporting picture. In the constructors' standings, Mercedes is completing its championship, while Ferrari holds the advantage in the battle for second place. In the drivers' standings, however, the question of second place is not yet resolved. For Max Verstappen, who is narrowly ahead on points, a reduction in the number of races could completely change the tactical balance.