Doha, Sep 2026 : Qatar is pressing ahead with preparations to host MotoGP and Formula One races in November despite continued uncertainty caused by the conflict in the Middle East, Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation President Abdul Rahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai said on Tuesday.
Al Mannai said Qatar had remained safe in recent months and stressed that the country had largely returned to normal life. He also said Hamad International Airport was fully operational, including transit services connecting Asia and Europe.
“Qatar has been safe for months now. Our airport is 100 percent operational, including transit flights between Asia and Europe,” Al Mannai said. He added that visitors would find normal conditions across the country and expressed confidence about welcoming international motorsport events again.
Formula One is scheduled to hold the Qatar Grand Prix at the Lusail International Circuit, near Doha, on November 29. The event remains subject to a final decision by Formula One organisers, who are expected to assess the regional security situation before making a determination in mid-September.
The Qatar race is an important part of the Formula One calendar, particularly alongside the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. If both Middle Eastern races are unable to take place, the 2026 Formula One season could potentially conclude with events in Europe.
MotoGP is scheduled to return to the Lusail circuit on November 8. Preparations for the motorcycle racing event are continuing, according to Al Mannai, who said organisers were also maintaining discussions with Formula One officials.
“We cannot stop the plans. We have to be ready. We are taking it one step at a time to see the situation and assess. But so far, everything is good. Everything is a go-ahead,” he said.
While Qatar remains committed to its November events, another major motorsport championship has already altered its schedule. The World Endurance Championship cancelled its Qatar round, which had been scheduled for October 24, reflecting the broader uncertainty surrounding sporting events in the region.
The ongoing Middle East conflict has created challenges for international travel, logistics and sporting events. The US-Israel war on Iran, which began in February, has also contributed to heightened regional tensions and affected shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a major global energy route.
For Formula One, the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races carry considerable commercial importance. Middle Eastern Grands Prix have become major revenue contributors to the championship, with host nations paying substantial fees, reportedly running into tens of millions of dollars, to stage the events.
Despite the uncertainty, Qatar’s motorsport authorities remain focused on completing preparations. Al Mannai said the federation would continue monitoring developments closely while keeping all arrangements in place so the races can proceed if conditions remain suitable.
