What happened: Formula 1 officials are proceeding with scheduled plans to hold the final two rounds of the 2026 season in the Middle East. The decision follows the expiration of a deadline to relocate one of the season-ending races to Italy.

Why it matters: Maintaining the planned calendar avoids disruptive late-season scheduling changes for teams and organizers. The move also closes the door on contingency proposals that would have shifted the championship finale to a European circuit.

What to watch: The 2026 championship will conclude with back-to-back stops in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.