F1 make surprise reveal over 2026 calendar minutes before Bahrain GP qualifying as 'Plan B' emerges

Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali has stated that the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix are 'confirmed' to go ahead in 2026 despite the ongoing unrest in the Middle East - but issued a warning.

The two races were planned to round out the 2026 season in November and December but there had been increasing doubts over whether they would go ahead due to the US and Israel's war with Iran.

F1 had already cancelled races in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain due to the conflict. The Bahrain race was later relocated to the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, which is why this weekend's Grand Prix retains its original branding.

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F1's 2026 calendar confirmed - with Plan B

Speaking to Sky Sports Italy ahead of qualifying on Saturday, former Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali stated that races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi will go ahead as planned.

"That is the direction we have chosen, based on the information we have," Domenicali said. "And subject, of course, to the necessary assurances which are absolutely essential.

"This is the strategy we intend to follow through to the end of the year."

Barring in 2012, Abu Dhabi has hosted the final Grand Prix of each season since it joined the Formula 1 calendar in 2009. Qatar, meanwhile, joined the calendar in 2021, with the Grand Prix hosted by the Losail International Circuit.

Domenicali stated in July that F1 chiefs had set a deadline of around mid-September to decide on the remainder of the calendar - a deadline which seemingly passed without comment.

According to F1 reporter Jon Noble, Imola remains a 'plan B' in case the races cannot go ahead due to the unrest.

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The matter was discussed at a recent F1 Commission meeting, with Audi's Mattia Binotto revealing that the teams were expecting to be told by mid-October about the calendar plans for the remainder of the season.

While Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu stated: "I believe that Imola is getting ready in case we have to do it there. But hopefully things can stay as a baseline and we can go to Qatar and Abu Dhabi. That would be really good."

But one driver who will not be happy about the developments will no doubt be Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who argued before the Azerbaijan Grand Prix last month that F1 should not race in the Middle East at present.

"Normally I am happy to go to Qatar and Abu Dhabi," Verstappen told reporters in Baku. "But you know, when there is a war nearby, and if some of the countries are in conflict with each other, then I think we shouldn't go.

"Then, it doesn't matter if you have a contract or not, I think. But it's not up to me."