2026 F1 Season to End with Grand Prix in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, FIA Confirms
The FIA has officially confirmed that the 2026 Formula 1 calendar will close with races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, despite ongoing Middle‑East tensions.
The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has officially confirmed that the 2026 Formula 1 season will finish with two Middle‑East rounds – a new Grand Prix in Qatar followed by the traditional season‑ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The announcement was made by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem during a press briefing earlier this week.
According to The Times of India, Ben Sulayem said the decision reflects the sport’s commitment to expanding its global footprint while also rewarding long‑standing partners in the region. The Qatar round will be a brand‑new addition to the calendar, marking the first time the Gulf state will host a Formula 1 event. Abu Dhabi, which has hosted the finale since 2009, will retain its place as the season’s climax.
Yahoo Sports echoed the confirmation, noting that the FIA’s endorsement comes amid heightened geopolitical sensitivities in the Middle East. While the region has seen diplomatic strains, the governing body stressed that the sport remains politically neutral and focused on delivering a safe, world‑class racing spectacle. Both outlets highlighted that the FIA will work closely with local authorities to ensure the events meet the highest safety and logistical standards.
For Indian fans, the schedule shift means the season finale will be broadcast live on FanCode with Indian Standard Time (IST) conversions provided. The Qatar Grand Prix is slated for early December, with the Abu Dhabi race following a week later. Exact dates have yet to be released, but once announced, FanCode will likely stream both events live, complete with pre‑race analysis and post‑race commentary in Hindi and English.
Indian viewers can expect the Qatar race to kick off at around 02:30 IST and the Abu Dhabi finale at roughly 04:00 IST, aligning with prime‑time viewing slots for many fans across the country. The addition of Qatar also opens up potential new fan‑engagement opportunities, such as local fan zones and digital activations that could be streamed on Indian platforms.
Source: The Times of India