The Formula One teams have been told that a definitive answer regarding the fate of the season‑ending rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi will be delivered by mid‑October. The 2026 championship is slated to conclude with back‑to‑back events: the Qatar Grand Prix scheduled for 27‑29 November, followed by the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on 4‑6 December. However, the ongoing conflict that erupted in the Middle East in February has cast a shadow over these dates, leaving the future of the two races uncertain for several months.
Both venues remain on the official calendar, which currently lists 23 races for the year, and sources close to the sport, including Sky Sports News, indicate that the governing body intends to keep them in place. Nevertheless, the organizers have prepared a contingency plan that could see the Italian circuit at Imola step in as a replacement if the security situation in the Gulf deteriorates to the point where the Qatar and Abu Dhabi events can no longer be staged safely. During the latest F1 Commission meeting on Monday, team principals received clarification on the timeline for the final decision. Speaking at the press conference on Thursday in Baku, Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu explained that Stefano Domenicali, the president of Formula 1, is aiming to announce the outcome in mid‑October so that all parties know where they stand.
"I believe Imola is being prepared as a backup," Komatsu said, "but we all hope the baseline scenario holds and we can race in Qatar and Abu Dhabi as originally planned. That would be fantastic." Audi‑backed team chief Mattia Binotto echoed the same sentiment, confirming that the commission had discussed the issue and that mid‑October represents the "last call" for a definitive verdict. Sky Sports F1 correspondent Craig Slater added that, according to sources within the sport’s leadership, the intention remains to run both events, provided the regional stability does not slip further. "If the situation remains as it is over the next few weeks, the races are expected to go ahead," Slater said.
"Only a fresh deterioration would force a cancellation." Slater also clarified the role of Imola in the contingency framework. While the Italian circuit would be ready to host a replacement race, it would not be forced to do so at the expense of the Gulf events. Should the two Middle Eastern rounds be called off, Imola would step in and the organizers would compensate the venue for any financial losses incurred while preparing for a possible race.
The teams therefore anticipate a clear update by mid‑October and will monitor the situation closely. In the meantime, the championship continues in Azerbaijan, where drivers and team personnel are also dealing with a packed schedule that includes multiple Formula 2 support races and a full day of Formula 1 sessions. The weekend agenda features an F2 sprint, practice sessions, qualifying, and the main Grand Prix, all broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton, speaking from Baku on Wednesday, expressed his personal desire to see the sport return to the Middle East as originally scheduled. "I love going to the Middle East and I personally want to go," Hamilton said. He added that, based on the information he has seen, the situation appears stable, though he acknowledged he does not have full visibility into the risk assessments.
"I trust Stefano to make the right decision for the sport, but I do hope we get to go there," he continued. Hamilton also weighed in on the alternative of finishing the season in Imola. While acknowledging the charm of the historic Italian track, he warned that winter weather could be less than ideal and that the circuit does not lend itself to overtaking opportunities. "More races are always better for the sport," he concluded.
The broader context of the decision reflects Formula 1's commitment to expanding its global footprint while balancing safety and logistical concerns. The Middle East has become a key market for the sport, offering state‑of‑the‑art facilities and significant commercial partnerships.
Canceling the Qatar and Abu Dhabi rounds would not only affect the championship's competitive narrative but also have financial repercussions for promoters, sponsors, and host nations. If the races proceed as planned, the Qatar Grand Prix will mark the first time the championship visits the country, featuring a purpose‑built circuit that combines desert scenery with modern infrastructure. The Abu Dhabi event, meanwhile, will be held at the Yas Marina Circuit, a venue that has hosted multiple world championships and is known for its spectacular twilight finish.
Conversely, should the situation deteriorate, Imola would provide a classic European setting with a rich heritage dating back to the early days of Grand Prix racing. The track, known for its fast, flowing layout, would offer a different challenge for drivers and could serve as a fitting finale, albeit one that lacks the novelty and commercial appeal of the Gulf races. In summary, the F1 teams have been given a clear timeframe—mid‑October—to receive a definitive answer on whether the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will go ahead.
The governing body remains hopeful that the events will stay on the calendar, but a backup plan involving Imola is ready to be activated if necessary. The championship continues its current weekend in Azerbaijan, with drivers focusing on the immediate battles while keeping an eye on the evolving geopolitical landscape that could shape the closing chapters of the 2026 season.