Preparations are underway for the 2026 Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, set to take place at Yas Marina Circuit from December 3 to 6. The event will mark the final round of the 2026 Formula One World Championship, with a 50-day countdown recently announced as anticipation builds for the race in the UAE capital.
Saif Al-Noaimi, CEO of Ethara, the race organizers, described the Grand Prix weekend as the “UAE’s flagship event.” He highlighted the competitiveness of the current season, noting that six different drivers have won races so far in 2026, including recent victories by Max Verstappen. The championship standings show Kimi Antonelli leading with 310 points, followed by Mercedes teammate George Russell with 238, Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton with 229, and Verstappen close behind on 221 points. Al-Noaimi emphasized Antonelli’s emergence as a dominant young talent, calling the final races “an amazing end of season and the championship-deciding season.”
The event will feature 11 Formula 1 teams on the grid for the first time in Abu Dhabi, an increase from 10 teams last year. Additionally, the Formula 2 Championship will conclude alongside the Grand Prix in the UAE capital.
A significant development highlighted by organizers is the presence of two young Emirati drivers in the FIA Formula 3 World Championship for the first time. Rashid Al-Dhaheri was officially announced as joining Formula 3, joining Keanu Al-Azhari who was confirmed a week earlier. Both teenagers began their careers in karting across UAE circuits and progressed through regional and European competitions. They are products of the Yas Heat Academy and have also competed in Formula 4 UAE, where they serve as Yas Heat ambassadors.
Al-Noaimi noted this milestone as a testament to the strength of grassroots motorsport programs in the UAE. He expressed optimism about their future potential, observing that Formula 3 is just two steps away from Formula 1. He suggested that both drivers could reach F1 within as little as two years.
In addition to the Formula 1 and supporting Formula 2 races, the 2026 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will introduce a new support event: the AZM GT championship. This sprint race format will debut as a non-championship Trophy Round at Yas Marina Circuit. According to Al-Noaimi, AZM GT aims to showcase the resilience and determination of motorsports in the UAE, offering an added attraction for race fans during the Grand Prix weekend.
The upcoming event is expected to draw the world’s top 22 drivers to Yas Island, continuing the UAE’s prominent role in the global motorsport calendar.