Yamaha to Skip Qatar MotoGP Race Over Regional Safety Fears

Yamaha Racing announced on Sunday that it will not participate in the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix, which is scheduled for next weekend. The team cited ongoing safety concerns in the Middle East as the primary reason for its withdrawal from the event.

In a statement, Yamaha said it reviewed the regional situation independently from the MotoGP Group and the event organizers. The manufacturer stated that it had not found sufficient grounds to alter its existing company-wide travel restrictions. Consequently, Yamaha notified the MotoGP Group of its decision to sit out the race at Lusail International Circuit.

MotoGP officials expressed disappointment in a response published on Sunday. They stated that they believed Yamaha’s decision did not reflect the extensive assurances provided to all championship stakeholders. The organizers noted that they had consulted with the State of Qatar, the circuit, independent safety advisers, and their own risk assessment process without receiving information that warranted a change to current plans.

The racing body warned that Yamaha’s absence carries sporting implications. MotoGP stated that the International Motorcycling Federation will manage any consequences in accordance with championship regulations. The organizers also confirmed that the remainder of the grid has assured them they will compete in Qatar.

Yamaha currently trails in the constructors' championship with 105 points, while Ducati leads the standings with 537 points. The team said it remains fully committed to the series and looks forward to returning to competition at the Portuguese Grand Prix. Two races remain on the schedule for this month, in Portugal and Spain.

The decision comes as several riders reportedly push to cancel next week’s event. In March, Formula 1 and the FIA canceled races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia due to safety concerns related to the Iran war. Those cancellations occurred after Iran struck both countries in response to U.S. and Israeli airstrikes. The F1 season is scheduled to conclude with races in Qatar on Nov. 29 and Abu Dhabi on Dec. 6.