FIA WEC 2026 season finale relocated from Qatar and Bahrain to Europe

The FIA World Endurance Championship has cancelled its planned 2026 races in Qatar and Bahrain, redirecting the final two rounds of the season to European circuits. The decision follows what organisers described as ongoing regional developments that have created complications for freight logistics and travel arrangements across the Middle East.

According to the FIA, the inaugural 6 Hours of Barcelona will serve as the penultimate round, scheduled for 16–18 October at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The season finale will then move to Italy's Autodromo Nazionale Monza for 6–8 November. WEC Chief Executive Officer Frédéric Lequien indicated that while optimism existed weeks earlier about proceeding with the original calendar, the current situation necessitated an alternative approach. He emphasised that the timing of the announcement was critical to allow manufacturers, teams, and the championship organisation adequate time to adjust their logistics and planning.

Lequien acknowledged the cooperation of both Qatar and Bahrain, along with their respective circuits and national motorsport federations, while reaffirming the championship's long-term commitment to the region. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem stated that safety considerations remained paramount throughout the decision-making process, noting that the organisation had explored multiple options to preserve both events before concluding that relocation was necessary.

Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest, characterised the period as exceptionally complex for the Middle East and highlighted the daily monitoring and stakeholder coordination that informed the final decision. The FIA has publicly committed to returning to both Qatar and Bahrain for the 2027 season as originally scheduled.