Abu Dhabi Confirmed as F1 Season Finale; Imola Contingency Scrapped

Formula One bosses have finalized plans for the 2026 season to conclude in the Middle East, confirming the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Tuesday. Sources indicate that Formula One has initiated the process of informing all relevant stakeholders of the definitive decision to race in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. The season's schedule will see a shift to Las Vegas on November 22, followed by Qatar the subsequent weekend, culminating at the Yas Marina Circuit from December 3-6.

Contingency plans that had been in place for a potential replacement race at Imola have now been shelved, with the Italian circuit notified to halt all preparations. Formula One management will now proceed with informing the sport's 11 teams of this final decision.

McLaren team principal Zak Brown, present at an event with sponsors Etihad in Abu Dhabi on Monday night, expressed his anticipation for the season's conclusion in the region. "I'm excited to come and race here [in Abu Dhabi], and Formula One is very excited," he stated.

Concerns regarding the races had arisen due to regional tensions stemming from the Iran war and earlier cancellations in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. However, FIA chief Mohammed Ben Sulayem affirmed to The National this week that the season-ending Gulf races would "proceed as planned." Ben Sulayem further reinforced this commitment via an Instagram statement on Tuesday, declaring, "We are ready for Qatar and Abu Dhabi. We are fully prepared and committed to delivering two outstanding Grands Prix weekends and a spectacular conclusion to the FIA Formula One World Championship. We look forward to welcoming drivers, teams and fans to two iconic circuits for an unforgettable finish to the season."

With the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend approaching in less than a month, logistical pressures are mounting, particularly concerning the expedited shipping of cargo. The major honors for the 2026 F1 season have already been secured, with Kimi Antonelli crowned the youngest-ever champion and Mercedes claiming the Constructors' Championship.

In related motorsport news, the final round of the MotoGP season concluded in Qatar over the weekend without significant issues, although Yamaha did withdraw from the event. Both F1 and MotoGP are owned and operated by Liberty Media.

Organizers for the Abu Dhabi GP, Ethara, have intensified their preparations, with visible construction work underway at Yas Marina Circuit. The lineup for the traditional after-race concerts has been confirmed, featuring artists such as Kings of Leon, Jennifer Lopez, and Lewis Capaldi performing in the UAE capital. Ethara’s chief executive, Saif Al Noaimi, recently told The National, "We are delivering the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the same high standard we deliver every year. We are delivering a safe event, just like we do every year. We are planning and preparing ourselves just like we do every year. And from a readiness point of view, we are 100 per cent ready to deliver the Grand Prix this year. Everything is on schedule, the date has not changed. We're really excited to be hosting the season finale on December 6."