MotoGP looks set to scrap Qatar GP, putting F1’s decision further in the spotlight

A decision is expected from MotoGP within a few days, The Race reports. Despite paddock rumours that an alternative location would be added to replace the race at the Losail International Circuit, that plan also now seems off the table. A second race weekend at Sepang was cited as the most likely option, but the championship now appears to be choosing to simply drop one of the 22 rounds.

The MotoGP race in Qatar was originally scheduled to be held in April but was moved to November after hostilities broke out between Iran and the United States. The U.S. Air Force base Al Udeid, located just about 40 kilometers from the circuit, was targeted multiple times by Iranian rocket attacks in the early phase of the conflict.

The situation is particularly notable given the parallels with Formula 1. Liberty Media has held F1’s commercial rights since 2017 and, in July 2025, also completed the acquisition of an approximately 84 percent stake in MotoGP owner Dorna Sports. As a result, the two largest global racing championships now fall under the same American owner.

Formula 1 also still has two events in the same region on the calendar. Qatar and Abu Dhabi are slated to be visited at the end of the season, but there is still no certainty about them—much to the frustration of the teams. The announcement of the 2027 calendar has even been postponed as a result. Formula 1 does have alternatives on hand, with Imola currently appearing at the top of the list.

As far as this website understands, FOM plans to make a final decision toward the end of September. For FOM, there is a significant financial incentive not to cancel the races too early. Qatar and Abu Dhabi pay substantial sums to host a Formula 1 race each year. As long as there remains a possibility that the situation in the Middle East improves sufficiently, F1 does not want to forgo that revenue without necessity.

The World Endurance Championship already decided earlier this year to cancel the season opener in Qatar and start the 2026 season in Imola. In July, the FIA championship announced that the WEC round in Bahrain has also been canceled due to ongoing unrest in the Middle East. The organization has looked at alternatives and is keeping the final two race weekends on European soil, in Barcelona and Monza.