Sainz doubts F1’s 2026 season will end in the Middle East
Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz says he’s not convinced the 2026 calendar will close with races in Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz has voiced scepticism over Formula 1’s proposed 2026 calendar, saying he finds it "difficult to be convinced" that the season will finish in the Middle East. The comment came during a post‑practice interview at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where Sainz was asked about the sport’s long‑term plans for the region.
What Sainz said
"I think it’s a great market, but I’m not convinced that the final rounds will stay in the Middle East for 2026," Sainz told reporters, according to Autosport. He added that the sport’s leadership needs to demonstrate a clear, sustainable vision for the region before drivers and teams can fully endorse the plan.
Why the Middle East matters
The 2025 calendar already features a double‑header in the Gulf, with races in Qatar and Saudi Arabia scheduled back‑to‑back in November. Both venues have been praised for their state‑of‑the‑art facilities, but the rapid expansion has raised concerns about travel fatigue, climate management and the sport’s global footprint. The 2026 season is expected to introduce new technical regulations, and the FIA is still finalising the full schedule.
Team principals and other drivers have largely stayed silent, but the broader F1 community has been debating whether the sport should diversify its season‑ending venues. A few analysts argue that keeping the finale in Europe or Asia would preserve traditional fan‑fare, while others point to the commercial upside of ending the year in the high‑growth Middle Eastern market.
For Indian fans
Indian viewers can catch the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix live on FanCode, with the race starting at 20:00 IST. The next race, the Qatar Grand Prix, will follow on Saturday at 19:00 IST. Both events will be streamed with commentary in English and Hindi, ensuring fans across the country can follow the championship battle in real time.
Should the 2026 calendar retain the Middle Eastern finale, it could affect travel logistics for Indian teams and sponsors, many of whom already have a strong presence in the region. Conversely, a shift back to a European or Asian finale might open up new broadcasting windows for Indian audiences.
Source: Autosport