F1 confirms Abu Dhabi GP will close 2026 season

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The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will go ahead at Yas Marina Circuit in December, retaining its place as the final round of the 2026 season

Formula 1 has confirmed that the 2026 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will go ahead as planned, bringing the championship season to a close at Yas Marina Circuit in December. Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali reaffirmed the schedule following the sport’s summer break, saying “the calendar is confirmed” and that preparations for Abu Dhabi were progressing well. The official Abu Dhabi Grand Prix website lists the wider event from December 3–6, while Formula 1’s official 2026 calendar lists the competitive race weekend from December 4–6, with the Grand Prix itself on Sunday, December 6.

Confirmation follows period of uncertainty

The announcement provides clarity after questions were raised over whether the final Middle East rounds of the championship would proceed amid regional tensions.

Khaleej Times reported that Domenicali had said on July 29 that the races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi remained confirmed but Formula 1 was continuing to monitor developments. The publication reported at the time that ending the season in Europe was among the possibilities if the two Gulf events could not take place.

That uncertainty has now been addressed, with Formula 1 maintaining its planned calendar. Abu Dhabi follows the Qatar Grand Prix, scheduled for November 27–29, and remains the 24th and final round of the 2026 championship.

Tickets now limited

Domenicali also indicated that only a small number of tickets remain for the Abu Dhabi event.

According to Khaleej Times, organisers said ticket availability is now limited, with many returning spectators and new fans having already secured places for the season finale. Remaining options are available through the official Abu Dhabi Grand Prix channels.

Ethara CEO Saif Rashid Al Noaimi said preparations were progressing across the event, with the promoter working alongside Formula 1 and its Abu Dhabi partners on arrangements for fans, teams, drivers, officials and commercial partners.

Abu Dhabi has hosted Formula 1 since 2009. Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said the event has continued to create opportunities for the emirate’s tourism, hospitality and events industries.

Racing and concerts at Yas Island

Beyond the action at Yas Marina Circuit, the four-day programme includes the Yasalam After-Race Concerts, hospitality and entertainment across Yas Island.

The official Abu Dhabi GP website currently confirms Zara Larsson and Lewis Capaldi for Thursday night, while Imagine Dragons will perform on Saturday. Organisers say additional artists are still to be announced.

The official event website also confirms that spectators will see the final race of the Formula 1 season under the lights at Yas Marina Circuit.

With Formula 1 now publicly reaffirming the calendar, the 2026 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix remains the championship finale, with the wider event running from December 3–6 and the final race scheduled for Sunday, December 6.