Preparations for the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix are moving forward, despite uncertainties related to the regional situation in the Middle East. The race is planned for November at the Lusail International Circuit, which will also host a MotoGP round.
The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) stated that it does not intend to halt planning while monitoring the evolution of the situation in the region. The stance comes after the cancellation of the 1812-km 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.
The president of QMMF, Abdul Rahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, emphasized that the organization remains in contact with the various categories and is actively preparing the events: “We cannot stop our plans for MotoGP and Formula 1. We have to be ready,” he stated.
Questioned specifically about the execution of the F1 Qatar Grand Prix, Al Mannai reinforced that the current planning continues to point toward holding the event: “The plan is to have the race. We are moving forward and also preparing for MotoGP, and the same goes in our discussions with Formula 1,” he added.
At the same time, the official acknowledged that there is no way to predict all developments in the coming months: “There are things we cannot predict. It is difficult. We do not know what will happen,” he explained, indicating that the evolution of the situation up to November will be decisive.
For now, the QMMF maintains the schedule and intends to assess the scenario step by step: “We are progressing one step at a time to monitor the situation and evaluate,” said Al Mannai. “But so far, everything is fine. Everything is on track,” he added.
