Sainz raises Qatar, Abu Dhabi 2026 concerns

Autosport reported Carlos Sainz has questioned whether F1’s 2026 finale in Qatar and Abu Dhabi can proceed, while the FIA still expects both rounds to run.

Autosport reported that Carlos Sainz has questioned whether Formula 1’s planned 2026 season finale in Qatar and Abu Dhabi will go ahead amid the conflict in the Middle East. The outlet said Sainz was not convinced the final two rounds could proceed as scheduled.

Autosport also reported that the FIA still expects both events to take place. According to the same report, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem remains confident the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races will run, even after Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were cancelled earlier in 2026.

Sainz is 18th in the 2026 drivers' championship on seven points. The Spanish driver has competed in 241 Formula 1 races since 2015, with four wins, five poles and 29 podiums.