Formula 1's final two races of the 2026 season remain at risk, and the actions of US President Donald Trump could influence how the sport's campaign reaches its conclusion. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli is on course to claim his first title, but there is uncertainty about whether he will race in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. If those races are cancelled, the sport is expected to lose around £134m in revenue.
The races are scheduled for November 29 in Qatar and December 6 in Abu Dhabi. Conflict has affected the Middle East for months, with Iran regularly credited with attacking Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Israel and the United Arab Emirates with missiles. Golf's Asian tour has already suspended the Saudi International indefinitely, and if F1 decides the safety of teams or fans is compromised, it is set to follow suit despite the financial impact.
US Diplomatic Withdrawal and Potential Strikes
The United States is pulling its diplomats out of the region amid the possibility that Trump joins attacks on the Houthis and launches fresh strikes on Iran. Such action could intensify the conflict, with Trump having previously scaled back activities ahead of the midterm elections on November 3. With the House of Representatives and a third of the Senate up for reelection, the timing is significant for Trump and may have influenced his plans.
The region remains volatile, and Imola has been suggested as an alternative venue to finish the season. Red Bull driver Max Verstappen has expressed concerns about travelling to an area near war. "Normally I am happy to go to Qatar and Abu Dhabi, 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," he told ViaPlay. "Then, it doesn't matter if you have a contract or not, I think. But it's not up to me."
F1's Stance and Ticket Sales
Speaking at the beginning of October, F1 chief Stefano Domenicali suggested he planned to keep the schedule in place. "Based on the information we have, everything is confirmed to remain in Qatar and Abu Dhabi," he said. "We had a meeting with the Abu Dhabi promoters, and we've already sold 99% of the tickets. There's a great deal of enthusiasm.
"This confirms that we must continue in this way, with the assurance that everything is in order. We are keeping the teams and drivers fully informed of the situation, without any filters. We have an excellent relationship. And I have the responsibility, along with the FIA, to make the right decision. That's what we've decided to do."
This weekend, teams are in Austin, Texas, before heading across the Americas to Mexico and Brazil, then returning to the US for the Las Vegas Grand Prix next month. That race takes place a week before the drivers are scheduled to compete in Qatar.
