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F1 CEO Domenicali confirms Qatar race will proceed as planned, bolstering confidence for the upcoming MotoGP Qatar round

Executive summary: Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula 1, said to Sky Sport that the FIA has given reassurances and the plan to hold a Qatar Grand Prix is still on track. The confirmation clears up doubts about the F1 Qatar event and reinforces confidence that the MotoGP Qatar round, set for 6‑8 November 2026, will also proceed, benefitting promoters, broadcasters and sponsors.

Who is involved: Stefano Domenicali (F1 CEO), Formula 1, MotoGP, Qatar Lusail circuit, event promoters, broadcasters and sponsors.

Likely next: Official FIA and FIM calendars will be finalised; teams will ship equipment to Qatar; any further updates will come from the governing bodies or Qatari authorities.

Stefano Domenicali's confirmation that Formula 1's Qatar Grand Prix will go ahead as scheduled removes a notable point of uncertainty from the FIA's 2024 calendar. By stating that the series has received the necessary reassurances, the F1 chief signals that logistical, security and governmental approvals required for the Lusail event are in place. This clarity has a direct bearing on the MotoGP organizers, who have slated a Qatar round for early November and rely on the same infrastructure and host-government support. With the F1 date secured, promoters, broadcasters and sponsors can now finalize contracts, launch marketing campaigns and allocate resources without the risk of a last-minute calendar shift. The stability also benefits the broader Gulf motorsport ecosystem, encouraging continued investment in venues such as Lusail International Circuit and reinforcing Qatar's positioning as a reliable host for elite two- and four-wheel competitions. In the near term, we can expect the MotoGP organizers to advance ticket sales, confirm broadcast partners and complete hospitality preparations, knowing that the F1 precedent has already cleared the path.

What's next — scenarios

Base: Qatar races proceed as scheduled (70%)

F1 and MotoGP events in Qatar go ahead, delivering expected revenue for local organizers and broadcasters.

Upside: Enhanced sponsorship and attendance (20%)

Higher‑than‑expected sponsor activation and ticket sales boost local economic impact by ~10%.

Downside: Delay or scaling back due to logistical issues (10%)

One or both events are postponed or held with reduced crowd, affecting revenue streams.

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