While uncertainties persist around the final rounds of the 2026 Formula 1 season in the Middle East, Qatar has sought to reassure about the holding of its Grand Prix in November.
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Preparations continue normally in Lusail, even though the organizers acknowledge that they cannot guarantee the evolution of the geopolitical situation in the region amid Iranian bombings on several Gulf countries.
Questions around the Qatar Grand Prix increased after the postponement, then the definitive cancellation, of the 1812 km of Qatar counting towards the 2026 World Endurance Championship (WEC).
A safe and operational country
Abdul Rahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, president of the Qatar Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, however believes that the geopolitical situation should be distinguished from the country’s ability to organize major sporting events.
“We must separate geopolitics from Qatar’s sporting capabilities, he explains. Qatar has demonstrated that it is capable of hosting major international sporting events safely and according to the highest standards. Qatar has been safe for several months now.”
He also points out that the country’s infrastructure is functioning normally: “Our airport is 100% operational, including for connecting flights between Asia and Europe. The plan is to hold the race.”
When directly asked about the possibility that the regional situation could still affect the Formula 1 Grand Prix scheduled for November, Al Mannai did not provide an absolute guarantee.
F1 and MotoGP still planned
The organizers are therefore continuing their preparations as if the event were to take place normally: “We are operational and preparing for MotoGP, and it is the same regarding our discussions with Formula 1. Obviously, there are things we cannot predict. We do not know what will happen. On our side, we cannot stop preparations. We must be ready.”
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For the moment, no changes are therefore planned: “So far, everything is fine. Everything is maintained.”
These statements come as Formula 1 continues to monitor the situation around Iran and, more broadly, the potential consequences on the final races held in the Middle East.
Imola would notably be ready to host a replacement event if F1 were to ultimately modify its calendar. The Italian circuit has recently positioned itself to host the season finale if the Lusail and Abu Dhabi events could not take place as planned.
Qatar confirms its long-term commitment
Despite the cancellation of its WEC event this year, Qatar does not intend to reduce its involvement in motorsport. Lusail is expected to return to the World Endurance Championship as early as 2027 and host the opening round of the next season.
“We are really very happy to return as the opening round in 2027 and we look forward to it,” continues Al Mannai. Qatar is not turning away from endurance because of a difficult season. Our commitment is long-term.”
At this stage, the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix remains well scheduled and preparations continue normally. But the organizers themselves acknowledge that the evolution of the geopolitical situation remains unpredictable, still leaving some uncertainty over the end of the Formula 1 season in the Middle East.
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