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 by mid‑October. The 2026 championship is slated to conclude with a back‑to‑back double‑header: the Qatar Grand Prix on 27‑29 November followed immediately 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 long shadow over these events, leaving their status uncertain for several months. Despite the turbulence, both races remain on the provisional calendar, which currently lists 23 events for the year. According to sources at Sky Sports News, the organizers are still intent on running the two Middle Eastern rounds as originally planned. Should the security situation deteriorate beyond acceptable limits, the series has identified Italy's historic Imola circuit as a fallback venue to cap the season.
This contingency would only be activated if the Qatar and Abu Dhabi rounds are deemed unsafe, and the governing body has indicated that there is still ample time before a final verdict is reached. The issue was raised during an F1 Commission meeting held on Monday, and team principals were given a clear timeline during Thursday’s press conference at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Haas team boss Ayao Komatsu explained, "I understand Stefano [Domenicali, the F1 president] is aiming to give us an answer in mid‑October so we all know where we stand. Imola is being prepared as a backup, but we hope the baseline scenario holds and we can race in Qatar and Abu Dhabi – that would be fantastic." Audi‑affiliated team principal Mattia Binotto added, "We discussed it at the Commission on Monday. Mid‑October is the final deadline for that decision." Sky Sports’ F1 correspondent Craig Slater provided further context: "The latest information from Formula 1 leadership is that both events are still on the calendar and the intention is to proceed. If the region’s stability remains at its current level over the next few weeks, the races should be able to go ahead.
Only a fresh deterioration would force a cancellation. Imola is on standby as a contingency, but the organisers will not abandon the Middle Eastern rounds unless absolutely necessary, and any financial losses incurred by Imola for preparation will be compensated. Teams expect clarification by mid‑October, so we will be watching the situation closely." During the Baku weekend, Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton expressed his personal hope that the sport would be able to return to the Middle East as scheduled.
"I love going to the Middle East and I’d personally like to race there," Hamilton said. "From what I’ve read, things seem okay, but I don’t have the full picture on risk levels. I trust Stefano to make the right call for the sport, and I hope we get to go. Finishing in winter at Imola wouldn’t be ideal weather‑wise, and while it’s a beautiful circuit, it doesn’t offer many overtaking opportunities – the more races we have, the better." The broader schedule for the weekend also includes a packed programme of support series and qualifying sessions.
On Friday, September 25, the timetable features 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 build‑up later in the day. Saturday, September 26, continues with an F2 Feature Race 2 at 7:55 am, the main Azerbaijan Grand Prix start 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. In summary, the F1 community is awaiting a mid‑October verdict that will confirm whether the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will proceed as planned or be replaced by a contingency race at Imola.
The decision hinges on the evolving security situation in the Middle East, with the sport’s leadership expressing a clear preference for keeping the original schedule if conditions allow. Teams, drivers, and fans alike are keen to see the championship conclude on the intended high‑profile venues, but they remain prepared for an alternative plan should safety concerns dictate otherwise.