The Formula 1 teams have been told that a definitive answer regarding the fate of the season‑closing events in Qatar and Abu Dhabi will be delivered in mid‑October. The 2026 championship is slated to conclude with two consecutive rounds – the Qatar Grand Prix scheduled for 27‑29 November and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix set for 4‑6 December – but the ongoing conflict that erupted in the Middle East in February has cast a shadow over those dates for several months. Despite the uncertainty, both races remain on the official calendar, which currently lists 23 events for the year. According to sources at Sky Sports News, the governing body’s intention is still to run the two Middle‑Eastern rounds as originally planned.
However, a fallback plan is already being prepared: the historic Imola circuit in Italy is being earmarked as a contingency venue should the situation in the Gulf deteriorate to the point where the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races become unsafe or logistically impossible. The F1 Commission convened on Monday, and during Thursday’s press conference at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, team principals confirmed that they have now received a clear timetable for when a final decision will be made. Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu explained, "I understand that Stefano [Domenicali, the president of Formula 1] aims to give us a definitive answer by mid‑October so that we all know where we stand. Imola is being prepared as a backup, but we hope the baseline scenario – racing in Qatar and Abu Dhabi – will hold, which would be fantastic for the sport." Audi‑backed team boss Mattia Binotto added, "We discussed the issue during the F1 Commission meeting last Monday.
Mid‑October is the deadline for a final call." Sky Sports’ Formula 1 correspondent Craig Slater provided further insight: "The latest information I have from senior leadership at Formula 1 is that both Qatar and Abu Dhabi are still on the calendar and the intention is to go ahead with them. If the stability in the region remains at current levels over the next few weeks, the races should be able to proceed.
Only a fresh deterioration would force a cancellation." He continued, "Imola is set up as a contingency, but the organizers are not forced to choose it at the expense of the two Middle‑Eastern events. Should the last two races be called off, Imola would step in, and the sport would compensate the circuit for any financial losses incurred while preparing for the possibility. Mid‑October is when the teams expect a clear clarification, so we will be watching this closely." During the same weekend 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 the full picture on risk levels. I trust Stefano to make the right decision for Formula 1, and I really hope we get to race there. Finishing the season in winter at Imola might not be ideal weather‑wise, and while it’s a beautiful circuit, it doesn’t offer the overtaking opportunities we love.
More races are always better." The broader context of the schedule includes a packed weekend of support series and qualifying sessions. On Friday, September 25, the program features an F2 sprint race at 5:10 am, followed by the third practice session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix at 9:15 am, an F2 feature race at 11:10 am, and the Grand Prix qualifying session later in the day. Saturday, September 26, continues with a second F2 feature race in the morning, the main Grand Prix race at noon, and post‑race analysis throughout the afternoon. All of these events are broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and streamed via the NOW platform, which offers a contract‑free, cancel‑anytime option.
The uncertainty surrounding the Qatar and Abu Dhabi rounds underscores the complex relationship between global sport and geopolitical stability. Formula 1 has increasingly expanded into new markets over the past decade, with the Middle East becoming a cornerstone of its commercial strategy. The sport’s leadership has repeatedly emphasized a commitment to safety and the welfare of teams, staff, and fans, while also acknowledging the significant financial and promotional investments tied to these venues.
If the mid‑October decision confirms that the two races will proceed, teams will need to finalize logistics, including the transport of cars, equipment, and personnel to the Doha International Circuit and the Yas Marina Circuit. Both venues have unique technical characteristics: Qatar’s track features a mix of high‑speed straights and tight corners, demanding a balanced aerodynamic setup, whereas Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina is known for its long straight, heavy braking zones, and a twilight race that tests tire performance as temperatures drop. Conversely, should the decision swing toward cancellation, Imola will step in as the season finale. The Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari, commonly known as Imola, offers a classic European layout with a combination of fast sweepers and tight hairpins, providing a different challenge for drivers and engineers.
While the circuit is beloved for its history and passionate Italian fans, it lacks the overtaking opportunities that many modern tracks provide, a point highlighted by Hamilton in his comments. Financially, the shift would have implications for sponsors and broadcasters.
The Middle‑Eastern races attract significant regional sponsorship dollars and viewership, contributing to Formula 1’s global revenue streams. A cancellation could lead to contractual renegotiations and potential compensation packages for stakeholders. Meanwhile, Imola would likely receive a financial safety net from the sport’s governing body to offset any losses incurred from preparing for a possible race that ultimately does not happen. In summary, the F1 community is awaiting a pivotal update in mid‑October that will determine whether the 2026 season will close with the planned Qatar and Abu Dhabi events or pivot to a backup finale at Imola.
Teams, drivers, and fans alike are watching closely, hoping for a resolution that balances safety, competitive integrity, and the sport’s broader commercial interests.