Abu Dhabi Grand Prix confirmed as F1 scraps Imola contingency plans
The 2026 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was confirmed on Tuesday after Formula One bosses locked in plans to finish the season in the Middle East. The National understands that F1 has begun the process of notifying all relevant stakeholders that its decision to race in Qatar and Abu Dhabi is now final. The season heads to Las Vegas on November 22 before arriving in Qatar the following weekend and…
The 2026 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has been confirmed as Formula One has finalized its decision to conclude the season in the Middle East. The race will take place at Yas Marina Circuit from December 3-6, following the Las Vegas event on November 22. Plans for a replacement race at Imola have been canceled, and preparations at the Italian circuit have been halted.
McLaren team principal Zak Brown expressed excitement about finishing the season on Yas Island. Despite regional tensions due to the Iran war and the cancellation of previous races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, FIA chief Mohammed Ben Sulayem assured that the season-ending Gulf races would proceed as planned. Ben Sulayem reiterated this commitment via Instagram, stating readiness for Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
The logistics for shipping cargo are underway as the Abu Dhabi race weekend approaches, less than a month away. The 2026 F1 season's championship titles have already been determined, with Kimi Antonelli becoming the youngest-ever champion and Mercedes winning the Constructors Championship. MotoGP also held its final round in Qatar without issues, though Yamaha withdrew from the event. Both F1 and MotoGP are owned and operated by Liberty Media.
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