MotoGP: Qatar Grand Prix postponed until November due to Middle East conflict, Formula One cancels Bahrain and Saudi Arabia GPs
By Marko Tankosic
SME News Balkan. The Qatar Grand Prix has been postponed to November 8 after MotoGP confirmed changes to its 2026 calendar due to the ongoing geopolitical situation in the Middle East.
The race, originally scheduled for April 12 at Lusail International Circuit, was moved in order to ensure the safety of riders, teams and fans while maintaining the integrity of the championship schedule.
MotoGP officials said the decision was made with the “primary objective of ensuring the safety, well-being, and highest-quality delivery of the event” amid the current instability in the region.
MotoGP calendar adjusted for late-season reshuffle
The revised schedule means the Qatar race will now be held late in the season on November 8. As a result, the Portuguese Grand Prix at Algarve International Circuit has been pushed back from November 15 to November 22.
The season finale will also move, with the Valencian Community Grand Prix now scheduled for November 29 at Circuit Ricardo Tormo.
MotoGP CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta said the decision was made after extensive discussions with teams and partners.
“Our priority is always the safety and well-being of everyone involved in MotoGP, while ensuring every Grand Prix is delivered to the highest possible standard,” Ezpeleta said. “We also want to provide clarity to our fans as early as possible.”
Ticket holders will be able to transfer their tickets to the new November race date.
Support for the postponement also came from Jorge Viegas, president of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme, who emphasized that rider and fan safety must remain the sport’s top priority.
Formula One cancels Bahrain and Saudi Arabia races
Meanwhile, Formula One confirmed that its April races in the Middle East will not take place this year.
The Bahrain Grand Prix and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix have both been cancelled after discussions between F1, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, and event promoters.
F1 said multiple alternatives were considered but ultimately decided not to replace the events on the calendar. The decision also affects the support series Formula 2, Formula 3, and F1 Academy.
As a result, there will now be a 35-day gap between the Japanese Grand Prix on March 29 and the Miami Grand Prix on May 3.
Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali acknowledged the difficulty of the decision.
“While this was a difficult decision, it is unfortunately the right one at this stage considering the current situation in the Middle East,” Domenicali said.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem added that the governing body will always place safety first and hopes stability will soon return to the region.
Despite the disruptions, both championships remain confident the revised schedules will allow the seasons to continue while protecting everyone involved in global motorsport.
