Formula One teams have been told that a definitive answer regarding the fate of the season‑closing events in Qatar and Abu Dhabi will arrive by mid‑October. The 2026 championship is slated to conclude with back‑to‑back races – the Qatar Grand Prix scheduled for 27‑29 November and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix set for 4‑6 December – but the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which erupted in February, has cast a shadow over those dates for several months. Despite the uncertainty, both Middle Eastern rounds remain on the official calendar, which currently lists 23 races for the year. Sources at Sky Sports News indicate that the governing body’s intention is still to run the events as planned, although a contingency plan is in place should the security situation deteriorate further.
The Italian circuit at Imola has been identified as the backup venue that could host the season finale if the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races become untenable. Organisers have ample time before the mid‑October deadline to make a final call and to arrange any necessary logistical adjustments.
The issue was discussed at an F1 Commission meeting on Monday, and team principals were given a clear timeline during Thursday’s press conference at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu explained, "I believe Stefano [Domenicali, the FIA’s president] is aiming to inform us in mid‑October so we all know the situation. Imola is being prepared as a fallback, but we hope the baseline scenario holds and we can race in Qatar and Abu Dhabi – that would be fantastic." Audi’s former technical chief Mattia Binotto echoed the sentiment, stating, "We covered it at the F1 Commission last Monday.
Mid‑October is the final deadline for that decision." Sky Sports F1 correspondent Craig Slater provided further insight, saying, "The latest information from leadership at Formula 1 is that both Qatar and Abu Dhabi are still on the calendar and the intention is to go ahead. If the regional stability holds over the next couple of weeks, the races should proceed. Only a renewed deterioration would force a cancellation." Slater added that Imola would serve as a contingency but not a replacement that would preclude the two Middle Eastern events. "If the last two races cannot be held, Imola will step in, and the organisers have promised to compensate the circuit for any financial losses incurred while preparing for a possible race," he noted.
"Mid‑October is when the teams expect a clear answer, so we’ll be watching closely." In Baku, Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton expressed his personal desire to see the sport return to the Middle East as originally scheduled. "I love going to the Middle East and would like to race there," Hamilton said. "From what I’ve read, the situation seems okay, 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.
Finishing the season in winter at Imola might not be ideal weather‑wise, and while it’s a beautiful circuit, it doesn’t offer many overtaking opportunities. More races are always better." The broader context of the 2026 season includes a packed schedule on Sky Sports F1, with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix forming part of a triple‑header weekend. The broadcast lineup features practice sessions, qualifying, and race coverage, alongside live F2 events and analysis shows such as Ted’s Qualifying Notebook.
The weekend’s timetable is as follows: Friday, 25 September: - 5:10 am – F2 Sprint - 9:15 am – Azerbaijan GP Practice Three (starts at 9:30 am) - 11:10 am – F2 Feature Race 1 - 12:30 pm – Azerbaijan GP Qualifying build‑up - 1:00 pm – Azerbaijan GP Qualifying - 3:00 pm – Ted’s Qualifying Notebook Saturday, 26 September: - 7:55 am – F2 Feature Race 2 - 10:30 am – Grand Prix Saturday build‑up - 12:00 pm – Azerbaijan Grand Prix race - 2:00 pm – Chequered Flag: Azerbaijan GP reaction - 3:00 pm – Ted’s Notebook All events are also streamed live on Sky Sports Main Event. Viewers can access the coverage via NOW, with no long‑term contract required and the option to cancel at any time. The decision on Qatar and Abu Dhabi will have significant implications for teams, sponsors, and fans alike.
A confirmation that the races will proceed would preserve the planned 23‑race calendar and maintain the commercial agreements tied to those venues. Conversely, a cancellation would trigger logistical reshuffling, potential financial penalties, and a reshaped championship narrative, especially if Imola steps in as the finale.
Stakeholders are closely monitoring diplomatic developments, security assessments, and the broader geopolitical climate. The F1 Commission’s mid‑October deadline reflects a balance between giving organizers enough lead time to implement contingency measures and providing teams with the certainty needed for logistical planning, car setup, and travel arrangements.
In summary, while the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix remain on the books for now, the final verdict will be delivered in mid‑October. Until then, teams will continue to prepare for both scenarios, keeping Imola on standby while hoping the baseline plan—racing in the Middle East—remains viable.
The outcome will shape the closing chapter of the 2026 Formula 1 season and set the tone for future engagements in the region.