--- title: "F1 Season Will Finish in the Middle East After All" date: "2026-11-10" modified: "2026-11-10" authors: - name: "Jerry Perez" job_title: "Deputy Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jerry-perez.md" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/f1-season-will-finish-in-the-middle-east-after-all" categories: - "F1" - "News" - "Racing" --- # F1 Season Will Finish in the Middle East After All ![Lando Norris of the McLaren Formula 1 Team participates in race day on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, on December 7, 2025. (Photo by Ahmad AlShehab/NurPhoto via Getty Images)]() *\Ahmad AlShehab via Getty\* FIA President [Mohammed Ben Sulayem]() posted on his [Instagram]() account that the sport is "fully prepared to deliver two exceptional Grand Prix weekends" in the Middle East, following the [Formula 1]() Las Vegas GP next weekend. "We are fully prepared and committed to delivering two exceptional Grands Prix weekends and a spectacular conclusion to the FIA Formula One World Championship," Ben Sulayem shared. "We look forward to welcoming drivers, teams and fans to two iconic circuits for an unforgettable finish to the season. See you on the grid." Both races were [postponed earlier this year]() because of the war in Iran, which had repercussions across the region. The events were never technically canceled, though as the season progressed, it seemed less and less likely that they'd be held at their original venues. The Bahrain Grand Prix was ultimately (and awkwardly) held in Malaysia in early October. However, those in power remained hopeful that Qatar and Abu Dhabi would be reinstated. https://www.instagram.com/p/Dfj0B4OjpLp/?img_index=1 "We are working closely with our partners to ensure everything is in place for our drivers, teams and fans. We look forward to welcoming everyone for two thrilling weekends of racing and an unforgettable finish to the Formula One season," the FIA boss added. MotoGP, now also owned by Liberty Media, was heavily criticized for hosting a race in Qatar last weekend, with most riders and paddock personnel saying they didn't want to be there and that they'd take the last flight in and the first flight out that weekend. *Got a tip? Email us at tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Jerry is responsible for upholding The Drive's ethos as an audience-first, enthusiast-driven car blog that serves up industry-leading news, reviews, culture, and motorsport coverage. Overseeing a staff of writers and editors from his home base in Indianapolis, he helps curate the site's daily rundown, as well as its medium- and long-term content strategies. Jerry joined The Drive in 2018 as a writer and worked as news editor and managing editor before becoming the deputy in 2023. As a lifelong car enthusiast and racing fan, Jerry believes that all cars are cool, but the people behind the machines are even cooler. This belief often gives The Drive a slightly different focus from most other car sites, where we explore the humanity behind the machines. When he's not obsessing over the day's biggest stories or hanging out at a race track, Jerry can be found behind the wheel of a car, most likely sharing a laugh with his teenage son or daughter. ### Author social links [Instagram]() ## More - [F1 Steward’s McLaren Ties in Spotlight After Verstappen Penalty]() - [Lando Norris Rolls Up to US Grand Prix in a Custom 1973 Plymouth Barracuda]() - [American Logan Sargeant Officially Secures Williams F1 Seat for 2023]() - [Daniel Ricciardo Says He Won’t Race in F1 Next Year]() - [Verstappen Seals Record F1 Season With Mighty 19th Win in Abu Dhabi]() - [GM Plans to Supply Formula 1 Power Units Starting in 2028]() - [F1 Asked GM to Partner With Someone Other Than Andretti: Report]() - [Ford CEO Jim Farley Hits Back at Cadillac F1 CEO’s Criticism: ‘It’s Laughable’]()