Preparations for the Qatar Formula 1 GP are ongoing, despite uncertainties related to the regional situation in the Middle East. The race is scheduled for November at the Lusail International Circuit, which will also host a MotoGP round.
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The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) stated that it does not intend to halt planning while monitoring the situation’s development in the region. This stance comes after the cancellation of the 1812 km of Qatar, the opening round of the 2026 World Endurance Championship, initially postponed to October before being removed from the calendar due to logistical and travel difficulties caused by the war in the Middle East.
QMMF president Abdul Rahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai emphasized that the organization maintains contact with the categories and is working on event preparations: “We cannot stop our plans for MotoGP and Formula 1. We have to be ready,” he said.
When specifically asked about holding the Qatar F1 GP, Al Mannai reinforced that current planning still points to the race taking place: “The plan is to have the race. We are moving forward and also preparing for MotoGP, and it’s the same in our discussions with Formula 1,” he added.
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At the same time, the official acknowledged that it is impossible to predict all developments in the coming months: “There are things we cannot foresee. It’s difficult. We don’t know what will happen,” he explained, indicating that how the situation evolves until November will be decisive.
For now, QMMF is maintaining the schedule and intends to assess the situation step by step: “We are moving forward one step at a time to monitor the situation and evaluate,” said Al Mannai. “But so far, everything is fine. Everything is according to plan,” he added.
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