Qatar MotoGP, F1 races set for November
Qatar plans to host MotoGP and F1 in November despite tensions. The F1 Qatar Grand Prix decision will be made in mid-September.
Qatar is continuing preparations to host the MotoGP and Formula 1 races at Lusail International Circuit this November. According to Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) president Abdul Rahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, the MotoGP event is scheduled for November 8, with the Qatar Formula 1 Grand Prix set for November 29.
However, Formula 1 is expected to make a final decision on the Qatar race in mid-September. Should both the Qatar and Abu Dhabi rounds be cancelled, the 2026 F1 season could conclude in Europe instead.
Event Status and Preparations
Al Mannai stated that Qatar has been safe for months and that its airport is fully operational. "If you visit Qatar, you will see we are back to normal life, so we’re really looking forward to hosting races again soon," he said in a QMMF session. He confirmed that preparations for MotoGP are already underway and that discussions with Formula 1 are continuing.
He acknowledged the unpredictable nature of the situation. "Of course, there are things that we cannot predict. It’s difficult. We don’t know what’s going to happen," Al Mannai said. He added that plans cannot stop and that the federation is taking things one step at a time, assessing the situation as it develops.
Regional Impact on Motorsport Calendar
The uncertainty follows other calendar disruptions caused by regional tensions. The World Endurance Championship (WEC) Qatar round, originally scheduled for October 24, was cancelled and moved to Europe. Earlier in the 2026 season, the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix was cancelled at its home circuit and subsequently moved to Malaysia.
That race will now be held at Sepang International Circuit from October 2-4, marking Formula 1's return to Sepang for the first time since 2017. Despite the change of venue, the event will retain the Bahrain Grand Prix title.
Key 2026 Race Dates and Changes
The source provides specific dates for several affected races, illustrating the calendar's fluid state.
| Event | Original Date | New Date/Location | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| WEC Qatar Round | October 24 | Moved to Europe | Cancelled in Qatar |
| Bahrain Grand Prix | Earlier in season | Oct 2-4 at Sepang, Malaysia | Relocated |
| Qatar MotoGP | November 8 | Lusail International Circuit | Preparations ongoing |
| Qatar F1 Grand Prix | November 29 | Lusail International Circuit | Final decision mid-September |
| Abu Dhabi Grand Prix | December 6 | Yas Marina Circuit | Pending |
With Bahrain relocated, the outcomes for the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races are crucial for finalizing the 2026 F1 season. The regional conflict, which began with the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, has also affected shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and raised security concerns across Gulf nations. The QMMF president described the overall situation as fluid but quiet so far, stating that everything remains a go-ahead for now.
