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 were slated to conclude the 2026 championship, with the Qatar Grand Prix scheduled for 27‑29 November and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for 4‑6 December. However, the ongoing conflict that erupted in the Middle East in February has cast a long shadow over these fixtures, leaving teams and organisers uncertain about whether the events can proceed as planned. Despite the geopolitical turbulence, the two Middle‑Eastern rounds remain on the official calendar, which currently lists 23 Grand Prix dates.
Sources close to Sky Sports News indicate that the governing body’s intention is still to run the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races, provided the security situation stabilises sufficiently. As a precautionary measure, the Imola circuit in Italy has been earmarked as a backup venue should the Middle‑East dates become untenable. Imola would step in to close the season, and the sport has pledged to compensate the Italian organisers for any financial shortfall incurred in preparing for a potential last‑minute switch. The latest update came from an F1 Commission meeting held on Monday.
At the Thursday press conference in Baku, team principals reiterated that they have now been given a clear timetable for when a final decision will be communicated. Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu explained, "I believe Stefano [Domenicali, the F1 president] is aiming to inform us by mid‑October so we all know where we stand.
Imola is being prepared as a contingency, but we hope the baseline plan – racing in Qatar and Abu Dhabi – can stay intact. That would be ideal." Audi’s former technical chief Mattia Binotto echoed the sentiment, adding, "We discussed this during the F1 Commission on Monday. Mid‑October is the deadline for a definitive call." Sky Sports F1 correspondent Craig Slater provided further context, stating that leadership within Formula 1 has indicated both events are still on the calendar and the intention is to go ahead.
He noted, "Based on the current stability in the region, if the situation holds over the next couple of weeks, the races should be able to proceed. Only a significant deterioration would force a cancellation. Imola remains a contingency, but it will not be used to the exclusion of the two Middle‑East rounds. Should the latter be cancelled, Imola will replace them and the organisers will be reimbursed for any losses incurred in preparation." Slater also highlighted that the teams themselves expect clarification by mid‑October, underscoring the importance of monitoring the evolving security landscape.
Meanwhile, Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton, speaking from the Baku circuit on Wednesday, expressed optimism about returning to the Middle East. "I personally want to go. I love going to the Middle East," Hamilton said.
"From what I've read, things seem okay, though I don't have full information on the risk levels. I trust Stefano to make the right call for the sport, and I hope we can race there as planned. Finishing the season in Imola would be beautiful, but the weather in winter is less than ideal, and the track doesn't offer many overtaking opportunities. More races are always better for the championship." The broader weekend schedule in Baku also featured a packed programme of Formula 2 support races, practice sessions, qualifying and the main Grand Prix itself, all broadcast live on Sky Sports.
The F2 Sprint began at 5:10 am on Friday, followed by the Azerbaijan GP practice three at 9:15 am, the F2 Feature Race at 11:10 am, and the Grand Prix qualifying later in the day. Saturday saw the continuation of the F2 Feature Race, the main Grand Prix race at midday, and post‑race analysis segments. All events were available via Sky Sports Main Event, with streaming options through NOW for viewers without a traditional contract.
In summary, the Formula 1 community is awaiting a mid‑October verdict on whether the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will proceed as originally scheduled. The contingency plan involving Imola is in place, but the sport hopes to avoid invoking it, aiming to deliver a full, uninterrupted finale to the 2026 season. The situation remains fluid, and teams, drivers, and fans alike will be watching closely for the forthcoming announcement.