Abu Dhabi is working to maintain its status as the host for the 2026 Formula 1 finale.
Organizers in Abu Dhabi are countering the uncertainties surrounding the Middle East's end-of-season Formula 1 races, emphasizing that the Yas Marina finale is still on schedule. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali had previously indicated that any decision regarding Qatar and Abu Dhabi might not be made until after mid-September if regional instability worsens; however, he took a more definitive stance when speaking to Gulf News. "The calendar is confirmed," he stated. "There are still a few tickets left to be sold in Abu Dhabi, and we remain committed to delivering the calendar we promised at the start of the year." Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism, highlighted the significance of the event for the emirate. "We look forward to welcoming international F1 fans again for the thrilling season finale," he was quoted as saying. Abu Dhabi has been hosting Formula 1 since 2009, and the Grand Prix now forms the cornerstone of a broader tourism, hospitality, and entertainment initiative surrounding Yas Island. However, the recent uncertainties have inevitably sparked speculation about potential European replacement races should the situation in the Middle East worsen. Following what was described as its final Dutch GP, Zandvoort has already been suggested as a possible emergency option for 2027 and beyond. When asked about this prospect, Max Verstappen expressed skepticism, responding, "I don’t know. How am I supposed to know that?" In contrast, former Dutch GP sporting director Jan Lammers was more receptive to the idea. "That will take some time, but the facilities are ready," he noted when asked if Zandvoort could return to the calendar in the future. "We can organize an event like this in about three or four months. I don’t believe it will be another 36 years before there’s another one."
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