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 around mid‑October. Both races are currently slated for the end of the 2026 calendar – Qatar from 27 to 29 November and Abu Dhabi from 4 to 6 December – but their future has been clouded for several months due to the ongoing conflict that erupted in the Middle East in February of this year. At present the two Middle‑Eastern rounds remain listed on the official schedule, which now comprises 23 Grand Prix events. According to sources at Sky Sports News, the governing body’s intention is still to run the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races as originally planned.
However, the series has a contingency plan in place: the historic Imola circuit in Italy could be called upon to replace the two events should the situation in the Gulf deteriorate to a point where travel and safety cannot be guaranteed. During the latest F1 Commission meeting on Monday, team principals were briefed on the decision‑making process.
In Thursday’s press conference at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, several team leaders confirmed they had been given a clear timetable for when the final verdict would be communicated. Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu explained, “Stefano [Domenicali], the president of Formula 1, is aiming to inform us by mid‑October so we all know exactly where we stand. Imola is being prepared as a backup, just in case we need to shift the finale there. Ideally, though, the plan stays on track and we head to Qatar and Abu Dhabi – that would be fantastic.” Audi‑backed team boss Mattia Binotto added, “We discussed this during the F1 Commission on Monday.
Mid‑October is the deadline for a final decision.” Sky Sports’ F1 correspondent Craig Slater provided further insight: “Leadership sources within Formula 1 have confirmed that both Qatar and Abu Dhabi are still on the calendar and the intention is to go ahead with them. Based on the current level of stability in the region, if the situation remains as it is over the next few weeks, the races should be able to proceed.
Only a fresh deterioration would force a cancellation.” He continued, “Imola is earmarked as a contingency, but the organizers are not forced to commit to it at the expense of the two Middle‑Eastern events. Should the Qatar and Abu Dhabi rounds be called off, Imola would step in, and the sport has pledged to compensate the circuit for any financial losses incurred while preparing for a possible race.” Slater summed up the consensus among the teams: “Mid‑October is when we expect a clear answer, so we’ll be watching the situation closely.” In Baku, Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton expressed his personal hope that the sport would be able to return to the Middle East as originally scheduled. “I personally want to go. I love going to the Middle East,” Hamilton said.
“From what I’ve read, things seem OK there, but I don’t have all the details, so I can’t gauge the exact risk levels. I trust Stefano to make the right call for the sport, and I hope we get to race there.” He added a note of caution about the alternative: “Finishing the season in winter at Imola might not be ideal weather‑wise, and while it’s a beautiful track, it doesn’t offer many overtaking opportunities.
More races are always better for the championship.” The broader context of the 2026 season is worth noting. After a turbulent start, the calendar now stretches to 23 events, culminating in a triple‑header of races in Baku this weekend.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix will be followed by a packed schedule of support series, including Formula 2 sprint and feature races, as well as qualifying sessions and post‑race analysis programmes broadcast on Sky Sports. Fans can also stream the coverage via NOW without a long‑term contract, giving them flexibility to follow the action live.
If the mid‑October deadline arrives and the decision is to retain the Qatar and Abu Dhabi rounds, the teams will face a logistical challenge, as both events require substantial freight movement and personnel travel across continents. Conversely, a shift to Imola would simplify travel but would also mean a significant alteration to the championship narrative, as the final two races would be held on a European circuit with different tyre strategies and weather conditions.
In any case, the F1 community – from drivers and team engineers to sponsors and broadcasters – will be closely monitoring diplomatic developments and security assessments in the region. The sport’s commercial partners have a vested interest in maintaining the Middle‑Eastern races, given the substantial financial backing and growing fan base in that part of the world.
Ultimately, the decision will balance safety considerations, contractual obligations, and the desire to deliver a full, exciting finale to the 2026 season. As mid‑October approaches, all eyes will be on the F1 Commission and its president, Stefano Domenicali, to see whether the original plan will stand or whether Imola will step in as the season’s concluding venue.