The Formula One teams have been told that a definitive answer regarding the fate of the season‑closing rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi will be delivered around mid‑October. This clarification comes after months of uncertainty surrounding the two Middle‑East events, which were originally slated for the end of the 2026 calendar.
The 2026 championship is scheduled to conclude with back‑to‑back 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 in February has cast doubt on the feasibility of holding these events as planned. Despite the turbulence, both races remain on the official 23‑race calendar, and sources close to Sky Sports News indicate that the governing body still intends to run them.
In the event that the situation deteriorates further, the Italian circuit at Imola has been earmarked as a contingency venue. Imola would serve as a replacement to ensure the season still finishes with a full schedule, and the organizers have indicated they have ample time before a final verdict must be reached. During an F1 Commission meeting on Monday, team principals received a timeline for the decision. At Thursday’s press conference in Baku, the team leaders reiterated that they expect a clear answer by mid‑October.
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu explained, "Stefano [Domenicali, the F1 president] is aiming to inform us in mid‑October so we all know where we stand. Imola is being prepared as a backup, but our hope is that the original plan proceeds and we can race in Qatar and Abu Dhabi as scheduled. That would be ideal." Audi‑affiliated team boss Mattia Binotto added, "We discussed this at the F1 Commission on Monday.
Mid‑October is the deadline for a final call." Sky Sports F1 correspondent Craig Slater offered further insight: "The latest word from Formula 1 leadership is that both Qatar and Abu Dhabi remain on the calendar and the intention is to go ahead. Based on the current stability in the region, if the situation holds steady over the next few weeks, the races should be able to proceed. Only a significant deterioration would force a cancellation." He continued, "Imola is a contingency option, but the teams are not forced to commit to it at the expense of the two Middle‑East rounds.
Should the Qatar and Abu Dhabi events be called off, Imola would step in, and the organizers have pledged to compensate any financial losses incurred by preparing the circuit." Slater summed up the consensus, "Mid‑October is when the teams expect a definitive clarification, so we’ll be watching that window closely." In Baku, Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton expressed his personal desire to see the sport return to the Middle East as originally planned. "I love going to the Middle East and would like to race there," Hamilton said. "From what I’ve read, conditions seem acceptable, but I don’t have all the data on risk levels. I trust Stefano to make the right call for the sport, and I hope we can go." He also noted the drawbacks of a possible Imola finale, "Finishing the season in winter at Imola isn’t ideal weather‑wise.
It’s a beautiful track, but it doesn’t offer many overtaking opportunities. More races are always better for the sport." The broader schedule for the weekend in Baku includes a packed lineup of Formula 2 and Formula 1 sessions. On Friday, September 25, the day begins with an F2 Sprint at 5:10 am, followed by Azerbaijan GP Practice Three at 9:15 am, the F2 Feature Race at 11:10 am, and the Grand Prix qualifying sessions later in the afternoon. Saturday, September 26, continues with the second F2 Feature Race, the main Grand Prix race at noon, and post‑race analysis throughout the afternoon.
All events are broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and can be streamed via NOW without a long‑term contract. The uncertainty surrounding the Qatar and Abu Dhabi rounds underscores the challenges that global sport faces when geopolitical events intersect with tightly planned calendars. While the F1 leadership hopes for a stable environment that allows the original schedule to proceed, the contingency plan involving Imola demonstrates a pragmatic approach to safeguarding the championship’s integrity. Teams, drivers, and fans alike will be watching the mid‑October deadline closely, as the decision will not only affect the final two races but also set a precedent for how the sport navigates future regional conflicts.
Should the mid‑October announcement confirm that the Middle‑East races will go ahead, teams will resume their logistical preparations, including shipping equipment to the Lusail International Circuit in Qatar and the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. Conversely, if Imola is activated as the season‑ending venue, the circuit will need to be rapidly readied to meet F1 standards, and the financial compensation promised by the organizers will be crucial for the local promoters. In any scenario, the priority remains the safety of personnel and the fairness of competition. The F1 Commission, together with the FIA, will continue to monitor the security situation closely and will communicate any updates promptly.
As the sport moves forward, the balance between sporting ambition and real‑world realities will remain at the forefront of decision‑making.