Abu Dhabi GP chief says F1 finale 'is happening' as Imola stays on standby for Qatar and Yas Marina

The organisers of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix say December's Formula 1 season finale will go ahead as planned. F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali has confirmed Imola remains ready as a fallback. Speaking at a press briefing in Abu Dhabi on 15 October, about 50 days before the race, Ethara chief executive Saif Rashid Al Noaimi was blunt about the event's status: "It's happening. It's been planned. Nothing has changed."

Why the final two races were in doubt

The conflict in the Middle East has already reshaped the 2026 calendar. The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix, both scheduled for April, could not take place as planned. The Bahrain round was moved to Malaysia and held at Sepang from 2 to 4 October, while the Saudi race was cancelled.

That left a question mark over the two Gulf races that close the season: the Qatar Grand Prix at Lusail on 27 to 29 November and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina, with the race on 6 December. Team bosses including Haas's Ayao Komatsu had said they were told to expect final clarity by mid-October, because switching the finale to Europe would need time to organise.

Domenicali sticks to the plan, with Imola as insurance

Domenicali confirmed earlier this month that the calendar would stay as it is, saying the decision was based on the information and assurances F1 had received. In comments reported this week from an interview with the Financial Times, he said the decision had been made but that Imola would be ready to host the race if force majeure struck before a certain date.

Preparations at the Italian circuit, including temporary grandstands, have reportedly begun so it could stage a finale on 6 December if needed. F1 is reported to be covering the costs if Imola is not used. Drivers have raised concerns about racing in northern Italy in December, but Audi team principal Mattia Binotto has said the bigger challenges would be organisation and logistics rather than the weather.

MotoGP is also heading to the region. Its postponed Qatar round is set for Lusail on 6 to 8 November, which will give an early view of how a major series operates there.

Abu Dhabi plans for a bigger event

Al Noaimi said Abu Dhabi has never been more ready to host the race. He said ticket sales were ahead of schedule at the 50-day mark. Organisers are working with Etihad Rail on transport links for fans travelling from elsewhere in the UAE. Andrea Bocelli will perform at Etihad Arena on the Wednesday before race weekend as part of a new classical music programme.

Looking further ahead, Yas Marina will host its first F1 sprint weekend in 2027, under the calendar F1 released in September.

The title context

The final rounds may not decide the championship. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli leads team-mate George Russell by 102 points after Singapore and has his first chance to clinch the title at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, which runs from 23 to 25 October.

Key takeaways

• Ethara's CEO said on 15 October the Abu Dhabi GP "is happening" with nothing changed.
• Domenicali has kept Qatar (27 to 29 November) and Abu Dhabi (race on 6 December) on the calendar.
• Imola remains on standby to host a 6 December finale in case of force majeure.
• The Bahrain GP was moved to Sepang in early October and the Saudi race was cancelled.
• Abu Dhabi will host its first sprint weekend in 2027.

FAQ

Will the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix go ahead? That is the plan. Domenicali has confirmed both races, and Abu Dhabi's organiser says preparations are on track.

Why is Imola involved? Imola is F1's backup venue. It would host a finale on 6 December if force majeure stopped the Gulf races before a set deadline.

Did Malaysia host an F1 race in 2026? Yes. The relocated Bahrain Grand Prix was held at Sepang from 2 to 4 October.

Sources: Gulf News, RaceFans, Nextgen-Auto, RacingNews365, Scuderia Fans