2026 F1 Calendar Secured: Qatar and Abu Dhabi to Host Season‑Closing Races
Formula 1 has officially confirmed that Qatar and Abu Dhabi will host the final two rounds of the 2026 championship, cementing the Middle East’s role in the sport’s future.
Formula 1’s 2026 season will close with back‑to‑back races in the Gulf, as the sport’s governing body confirmed that the Qatar Grand Prix and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will go ahead as scheduled. The announcement, reported by Autoweek and echoed by Mundo Deportivo, marks the first time the Qatar event will serve as a season finale, following its debut in 2023.
Both venues have become staples of the modern F1 calendar. The Lusail International Circuit in Qatar, which debuted in 2023, offers a state‑of‑the‑art night race under floodlights, while the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi has been the traditional season‑ending showdown since 2009. The confirmation ensures continuity for teams and sponsors, especially as the sport prepares for the new engine regulations slated for 2026.
The 2026 schedule will feature a total of 24 races, the longest calendar in F1 history, with the Gulf swing occupying the final two weekends in November. The Qatar Grand Prix is set for 23‑24 November, followed by the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on 30‑31 November (subject to final calendar adjustments). Both events will be run under the new power‑unit formula, which introduces a hybrid V6 engine with a higher proportion of electric power, aiming to make the sport greener and more cost‑effective.
For Indian fans: The Qatar and Abu Dhabi races will be broadcast live on FanCode, with start times adjusted to Indian Standard Time (IST). The Qatar finale is expected to kick off at 02:30 IST on 24 November, while the Abu Dhabi finale will likely begin at 02:30 IST on 1 December. FanCode will provide pre‑race analysis, live timing, and post‑race commentary in English and Hindi, making it easy for Indian viewers to follow the championship climax.
With the Gulf races now locked in, teams can focus on development work for the new power‑unit era, while fans anticipate a dramatic showdown for the drivers’ and constructors’ titles. The confirmed schedule also underlines Formula 1’s strategic push into the Middle East, a region that has become a key commercial partner for the sport.
Source: Autoweek