Given the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the cancellation of the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix has been assumed inevitable for months. Formula 1’s commercial rights holder has made contingency plans while publicly stating the races remain on. Promoters in both locations have maintained their commitment, with Abu Dhabi announcing music acts including Zara Larsson, The Script, Imagine Dragons, and Lewis Capaldi—though Larsson later said she would not attend.

The delay stems from a financial standover: if promoters cancel, they must still pay sanctioning fees; if F1 cancels, it forfeits the fees. Reported sanctioning fees are $55 million for Qatar and $40 million for Abu Dhabi annually, though these figures are speculative. Contracts vary, especially for state-backed events, and financial fallout extends beyond fees to hospitality, signage, and sponsorships.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said in July the decision would come by mid-September, stating races were confirmed and sold out, but the date has passed without announcement. If cancelled, the season would not end with a Las Vegas double-header due to local opposition and Thanksgiving conflicts. F1 would then have 22 races, falling short of broadcast contract requirements for 23, necessitating a replacement finale—possibly Imola, though pushback emerged during the Italian GP weekend.