The Formula 1 paddock has been told that a definitive answer regarding the fate of the season‑closing events in Qatar and Abu Dhabi will arrive by mid‑October. Teams now know when the governing body expects to announce whether the two Middle‑Eastern rounds will proceed as originally scheduled or be replaced by an alternative venue.
The 2026 calendar is slated to conclude with a back‑to‑back pair of races: the Qatar Grand Prix, set for 27‑29 November, followed by the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on 4‑6 December. However, the ongoing conflict that erupted in the region earlier this year has cast a shadow over those dates, prompting ongoing speculation about the viability of holding the events safely. Despite the uncertainty, both Qatar and Abu Dhabi remain on the official schedule, which currently lists 23 Grand Prix events. Sky Sports News reports that the intention of the FIA and Formula 1 management is still to run the races, but a final decision hinges on the security situation in the weeks ahead.
If the Middle‑Eastern races are deemed unsafe, the series has identified Italy’s historic Imola circuit as a contingency venue. Imola would serve as a replacement for the two final rounds, allowing the championship to finish on time. Organisers have already begun preliminary preparations at Imola, but they have not been forced to commit fully, preserving the possibility of proceeding with Qatar and Abu Dhabi should conditions improve.
During the Formula 1 Commission meeting on Monday, team principals received clarification on the decision‑making timeline. In Thursday’s press conference at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, several team leaders reiterated the information they had been given. Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu explained, “Stefano [Domenicali, the F1 president] has indicated that we should expect a definitive answer in mid‑October.
That will give everyone a clear picture of the situation.” He added, “Imola is being readied as a backup, but we all hope the baseline plan—racing in Qatar and Abu Dhabi—remains intact. That would be the best outcome for the sport.” Audi‑backed team chief Mattia Binotto echoed this sentiment, stating, “The Commission discussed the issue last Monday.
Mid‑October is the final deadline for a decision.” Sky Sports’ Formula 1 correspondent Craig Slater provided additional context: “According to sources within the sport’s leadership, both Qatar and Abu Dhabi are still on the calendar and the goal is to run them. The current assessment of regional stability suggests that, if conditions hold steady over the next few weeks, the races could go ahead as planned. Only a significant deterioration would force a cancellation.” Slater also clarified the Imola contingency: “Imola will act as a safety net if the final two races cannot be held.
The organizers have agreed to compensate Imola for any financial losses incurred while preparing for a possible replacement event, ensuring that the circuit is not penalised for circumstances beyond its control.” He concluded, “Teams understand that a clear update will be delivered by mid‑October, so we’ll be watching closely as that date approaches.” In Baku, Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton expressed his personal wish for the Middle‑Eastern rounds to proceed. “I love going to the Middle East and would personally like to race there,” Hamilton said. “From the information I’ve seen, the situation appears to be stable, but I don’t have the full risk assessment. I trust Stefano to make the right call for the sport, and I hope we can still travel to Qatar and Abu Dhabi.” Hamilton also weighed the alternative of finishing the season at Imola: “Winter weather in Imola isn’t ideal, and while it’s a beautiful circuit, it doesn’t offer many overtaking opportunities.
More races are always better for the championship, so I’d prefer to keep the original plan.” The broader schedule for the weekend in Azerbaijan includes a packed lineup of Formula 2 and Formula 1 sessions. On Friday, September 25, the F2 Sprint race will kick off at 5:10 am, followed by the third practice session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix at 9:15 am (the session officially starts at 9:30 am). The F2 Feature Race 1 will run at 11:10 am, with qualifying for the main Grand Prix slated for 1:00 pm. The day will close with “Ted’s Qualifying Notebook” at 3:00 pm.
Saturday, September 26, sees the second F2 Feature Race at 7:55 am, the Grand Prix build‑up at 10:30 am, and the Azerbaijan Grand Prix itself beginning at noon. The race will conclude with the chequered flag at 2:00 pm, followed by post‑race analysis and “Ted’s Notebook” at 3:00 pm. All sessions are also being broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix marks the start of a triple‑header weekend, with the Baku race taking place on Saturday at midday.
Fans can stream the action via Sky Sports through the NOW platform, which offers a contract‑free, cancel‑anytime subscription. In summary, the Formula 1 community is awaiting a mid‑October verdict on whether the season will close in the Middle East as originally intended or shift to Imola as a contingency.
The decision will hinge on the evolving security landscape, and teams remain prepared for either scenario, hoping for a smooth conclusion to a demanding 2026 campaign.