Formula 1 faces financial standoff over hosting fees for races
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 21, 2026, 7:00 AM
Last updated Sep 21, 2026
Discussion surrounding the potential Formula 1 races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi this December has stalled, primarily due to financial disagreements between Formula One Management and Middle Eastern promoters. Hosting fees reportedly amounting to nearly $100 million are at stake, with both sides hesitating to make the first move. Abu Dhabi promoters remain optimistic about the race's continuation, actively selling tickets and planning for entertainment, while contingency plans are being made in case of cancellations. With the initial deadline for a decision having passed without clarity, the outcome remains uncertain.
- •Financial standoff involves hosting fees around $100 million.
- •Abu Dhabi promoters are still actively preparing for the race.
- •No public announcement has been made regarding race confirmation.
- •F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali indicated a deadline for decision has passed.
- •Rally Saudi Arabia and WEC events have already been canceled.
- 7:00 AMYahoo Sports — Abu Dhabi promoters dig in as FOM walks a tightrope over hosting fees worth tens of millions
"The protracted silence over whether Formula 1 will race in Qatar and Abu Dhabi this December is not simply about security logistics. At the heart of the delay lies a financial standoff between Formula One Management and the Middle Eastern race promoters, with hosting fees worth tens of millions of dollars hanging on who blinks first.
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