Mercedes continues to plan for six remaining races in the 2026 Formula 1 season, although uncertainty persists over the championship’s final two rounds.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff expects the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix to take place as scheduled, despite renewed security concerns in the Middle East casting uncertainty over the final stages of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
The German manufacturer is continuing its preparations on the assumption that six races remain on the calendar, rather than four or five, in line with the latest position communicated by Formula 1 management.
The situation follows a further escalation of regional tensions, raising questions over whether the championship can conclude its season at Lusail and Yas Marina as originally planned.
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has recently reiterated his expectation that both events will proceed. However, the championship’s commercial rights holder is also understood to be considering contingency arrangements, including the possibility of staging an alternative season finale at Imola should circumstances require a change.
Wolff: Mercedes preparing for six more races
Speaking during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend, Wolff made clear that Mercedes has not adjusted its expectations for the remainder of the championship.
Asked about the possibility of Kimi Antonelli securing the drivers’ title mathematically before the season concludes, Wolff declined to focus on potential championship permutations.
Instead, he emphasised the importance of preparing for the full remaining schedule.
“I think that, given the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix are currently expected to take place, and everyone is saying so, we have to prepare for another six races, not four or five,” Wolff said.
His comments underline Mercedes’ intention to maintain its sporting and operational preparations without anticipating any reduction to the calendar.
Antonelli’s substantial championship advantage means the Italian could potentially secure the world title as early as the United States Grand Prix in Austin. Nevertheless, Wolff remains focused on the races still scheduled rather than the mathematical possibilities surrounding an early championship victory.
Regional security concerns remain
Despite the confidence expressed by Formula 1 officials and Mercedes, the status of the final two rounds remains dependent on developments in the Middle East.
According to reports cited in the region, Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport was struck again on Sunday, leaving one person dead and 11 injured, following a more deadly attack the previous day.
A separate incident was reported in the Gulf of Oman on 10 October, where US forces reportedly disabled a commercial transport vessel after it allegedly attempted to breach a naval blockade imposed on Iran.
According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the vessel failed to respond to warnings before the intervention.
Neither incident directly involved the circuits in Qatar or Abu Dhabi. However, the reported developments illustrate the wider security challenges facing Formula 1 as it approaches the closing stages of the championship.
Formula 1 maintains its current plans
For now, there has been no confirmed change to the schedule, and both the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix remain part of Formula 1’s plans for the end of 2026.
While contingency options are reportedly being considered, their existence does not indicate that either race has been cancelled or that an alternative venue has been selected.
Mercedes, meanwhile, is proceeding on the basis that the championship will complete all six remaining rounds.
Wolff’s position reflects the distinction between preparing for the calendar currently in place and acknowledging that changing regional circumstances could ultimately require Formula 1 to reconsider its plans.
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