Formula One will end its season in the Middle East as scheduled, with the Qatar Grand Prix on 29 November followed by the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on 6 December. The sport confirmed the decision on Tuesday, telling Italy's Imola circuit it is no longer required as a backup for the finale.

All 11 teams have been told, and Formula One said they were supportive. Imola had been pencilled in for 6 December in case the Iran war and regional conflict made it unsafe to finish in the Gulf, but organisers were told on Tuesday the fallback was no longer needed. MotoGP held its Qatar round at Lusail last weekend.

Both titles already decided

Both championships have already been settled. Kimi Antonelli, 20, took the drivers' title in Mexico this month, becoming the youngest champion in the sport's history, and Mercedes completed the double in Brazil last Sunday. The calendar stays at 23 rounds, and the Formula Two title will also be decided on track, with Rafael Camara leading Nikola Tsolov by seven points.

Door left open if situation changes

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the governing body was ready. "We are ready for Qatar and Abu Dhabi," he posted on Instagram. "We are fully prepared and committed to delivering two outstanding grand prix weekends."

Formula One stressed the races could still be cancelled if the situation flares up, with safety the priority. The next race is in Las Vegas on 21 November. Reuters and PlanetF1 reported the confirmation.