Formula One teams have been told that a definitive answer regarding the fate of the season‑ending events in Qatar and Abu Dhabi will be delivered by mid‑October. The 2026 championship is slated to wrap up with a back‑to‑back weekend in the Gulf, with the Qatar Grand Prix scheduled for 27‑29 November followed by the Abu Dhabi round on 4‑6 December.
However, the ongoing conflict that erupted in the Middle East in February has cast a shadow over those dates, leaving the organisers and teams uncertain about whether the races can proceed as planned. Despite the geopolitical turbulence, both Qatar and Abu Dhabi remain on the provisional 23‑race calendar, and sources at Sky Sports News indicate that the governing body’s intention is still to hold the events. In the event that the situation deteriorates to a point where the Gulf races become untenable, the series has identified Italy's historic Imola circuit as a backup venue.
Imola would serve as a replacement for the two final rounds, allowing the championship to conclude without a major scheduling gap. The Formula One Management (FOM) has not yet committed to this contingency, but it is preparing the necessary logistical and financial arrangements to mitigate any potential loss should the switch become necessary. The decision‑making process was discussed at an F1 Commission meeting on Monday, and team principals were briefed during Thursday’s press conference at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu explained that Stefano Domenicali, the president of Formula One, is expected to issue a clear statement by mid‑October. "I believe Stefano is targeting to tell us in mid‑October so we all know what the situation is," Komatsu said, adding that Imola is being readied as a fallback. "But hopefully things can stay as a baseline and we can go to Qatar and Abu Dhabi. That would be really good." Audi‑powered Ferrari chief Mattia Binotto echoed the timeline, confirming that the commission had agreed on a mid‑October deadline for a final verdict.
"We discussed it during the F1 Commission last Monday. Mid‑October is the last call for such a decision," he noted. Sky Sports F1 correspondent Craig Slater provided additional context, citing internal sources within the sport.
He said the leadership team still views the two Gulf races as part of the calendar and intends to proceed, provided the security environment stabilises. "If the level of stability in the region remains adequate over the next few weeks, the races will go ahead. Only a further deterioration would force a cancellation," Slater explained. He also clarified the Imola contingency: the circuit would not replace the Gulf events unless absolutely required, and any financial losses incurred by Imola for preparing to host would be compensated by the sport’s governing body.
The teams’ understanding, according to Slater, is that a definitive clarification will arrive in mid‑October, after which the calendar will either stay intact or be reshuffled to include Imola. This timeline gives the organizers a few more weeks to monitor the security situation, engage with local authorities, and finalize logistical plans.
In Baku, Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton expressed his personal hope that the season can finish in the Middle East as originally scheduled. "I personally want to go.
I love going to the Middle East," Hamilton said, noting that the information he has seen suggests conditions are improving. He placed his trust in Domenicali’s judgment, adding, "I trust Stefano to make the right decision for the sport, but I do hope that we get to go there." Hamilton also weighed the alternative of ending the season at Imola, citing weather and racing quality concerns.
"Finishing in winter in Imola might not be the best weather‑wise, and while it’s a beautiful track, it doesn’t offer the same overtaking opportunities. The more races we have, the better for the sport," he remarked. The broader context of the 2026 season includes a packed schedule that sees the Azerbaijan Grand Prix acting as a triple‑header weekend, with F2 support races and multiple qualifying sessions. The event’s broadcast is available on Sky Sports F1 and can be streamed via NOW, offering fans a chance to follow the unfolding drama both on‑track and off‑track as the sport navigates these geopolitical challenges.
In summary, Formula One teams have been given a clear mid‑October deadline to receive a final decision on whether the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will proceed as planned. The series remains hopeful that the situation in the region will allow the races to go ahead, but a contingency plan involving Imola is in place should circumstances deteriorate. All eyes will be on the F1 Commission’s announcement, which will determine the shape of the season’s climax and the logistical preparations required for the final two rounds.