News Summary
- FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem says the governing body is ready for the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix.
- The statement comes amid uncertainty over the final two rounds and discussions about possible alternatives.
- Ben Sulayem did not announce a calendar change or provide details about the logistical arrangements for either event.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has reaffirmed the governing body’s commitment to staging the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix, declaring that preparations are complete for the final two rounds of the 2026 Formula 1 season. His statement comes amid uncertainty over the championship’s concluding events and discussions about possible alternatives.
The FIA president published a message expressing confidence that the races will proceed as scheduled.
“We are ready for Qatar and Abu Dhabi,” Ben Sulayem said.
“We are fully prepared and committed to delivering two outstanding Grands Prix weekends and a spectacular conclusion to the FIA Formula One World Championship.”
The Emirati official also highlighted the importance of welcoming the Formula 1 paddock and spectators to both venues.
“We look forward to welcoming drivers, teams and fans to two iconic circuits for an unforgettable finish to the season.”
FIA reinforces commitment to Qatar and Abu Dhabi
The statement follows discussions about the feasibility of holding the final two Grands Prix in the Middle East.
Imola had emerged as a possible alternative venue, with November 10 identified as an important deadline for making the necessary arrangements.
However, Ben Sulayem’s comments indicate that the FIA is proceeding with preparations for the existing calendar.
The president did not announce a replacement race, disclose new logistical arrangements or explicitly state that every outstanding issue had been resolved.
His comments therefore represent a public expression of confidence rather than a detailed operational announcement.
The remaining championship schedule includes Las Vegas on November 19–21, Qatar on November 27–29 and Abu Dhabi on December 4–6.
Final F1 races remain important despite championship decisions
Although Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Mercedes have already secured the drivers’ and constructors’ championships, several positions remain undecided.
Max Verstappen holds a 17-point advantage over George Russell in the battle for second place, while Lewis Hamilton is just 1 point behind the Mercedes driver.
Mercedes is considering how to maximise Russell’s chances of recovering second place, although no permanent team-order policy has been confirmed.
The final three Grands Prix will also be important for teams evaluating their 2027 preparations and drivers seeking to secure seats for next season.
For now, the FIA’s message is that it remains prepared to conclude the championship in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
GRANDE PRÊMIO is following developments surrounding the 2026 calendar and every session of the final three rounds in its Formula 1 coverage.
FAQ
What did Mohammed Ben Sulayem say about Qatar and Abu Dhabi?
The FIA president said the governing body is ready for both Grands Prix and committed to delivering the final two weekends of the 2026 championship.
Have the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix been cancelled?
No cancellation was announced in the statement provided. Ben Sulayem reaffirmed the FIA’s commitment to staging both races.
Is Imola replacing either race?
The FIA president did not announce an Imola replacement or a change to the existing calendar.
Alternative headlines
- FIA declares Qatar and Abu Dhabi ready as F1 calendar uncertainty continues
- Ben Sulayem confirms FIA commitment to Qatar and Abu Dhabi F1 finales
- FIA president says ‘We are ready’ for final two F1 races in Middle East
Tags: FIA, Qatar GP, Abu Dhabi GP, Mohammed Ben Sulayem
Slug: fia-president-qatar-abu-dhabi-f1-races-ready-calendar-uncertainty
Meta description: FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem says Qatar and Abu Dhabi are ready to host F1’s final two races amid calendar uncertainty.
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