Qatar is moving ahead with plans to host the MotoGP race on November 8, 2026, at the Lusail circuit, despite ongoing regional conflict that has created uncertainty in the area [1, 2, 3, 4]. The country also aims to hold the Formula One race there on November 29, with the final decision from F1 expected in mid-September [1, 2, 3, 4].
The regional tensions stem from a conflict that began in February 2026 between the US and Israel against Iran, which led to a near closure of the Strait of Hormuz shipping channel [1, 2, 3, 4]. This escalation has affected various sporting events, including the World Endurance Championship (WEC), which cancelled its Qatar round scheduled for October 24 [1, 2, 3, 4].
Abdul Rahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, president of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF), emphasized that Qatar has remained safe for months. "Our airport is 100% operational, including transit flights between Asia and Europe. If you visit Qatar, you will see we are back to normal life, so we’re really looking forward to hosting races again soon," he said [4].
He added that preparations for MotoGP are fully underway and talks with Formula One are ongoing despite the uncertain and fluid situation. "It’s difficult. We don’t know what’s going to happen. The situation has been fluid, even though it’s been really quiet so far. For us, 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," Al Mannai said [4].
Qatar’s Middle East races are an important source of revenue for Formula One as the hosting fees generate tens of millions of dollars [1, 2, 3, 4]. The upcoming decisions on the November F1 race will come amid careful assessment of regional stability.
The MotoGP event is scheduled less than two weeks from today, showing Qatar’s commitment to maintaining its position on the global motorsport calendar despite geopolitical challenges [1, 2, 3, 4]. The final call on Formula One’s November 29 race at Lusail will be made in mid-September, just weeks away. [1, 2, 3, 4]
