The future of the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix is in serious doubt following comments from MotoGP boss Carmelo Ezpeleta, who labeled the April 10–12 race “very difficult” to stage due to escalating conflict in the Gulf.
The uncertainty stems from US and Israeli strikes on Iran, which have shuttered airports in Doha and Bahrain, and triggered missile strikes across regional capitals.
Ezpeleta confirmed that while a “Plan B” exists, racing in Qatar on April 12 is unlikely. The round may be rescheduled for later in the year, following the lead of the World Endurance Championship (WEC), which has already postponed its Qatar opener.
The crisis adds immense pressure to Formula One, which is scheduled to race in Bahrain the same weekend as MotoGP’s Qatar date, followed by Saudi Arabia a week later.
Marc Marquez emphasized that the sporting calendar is “secondary” to the regional crisis, stating the race’s cancellation “doesn’t matter” in the broader context.
While the Bahrain International Circuit remains in operational planning, the closure of regional airspace makes the logistics of the April Gulf leg increasingly improbable.
