Formula One teams have been told that a definitive answer regarding the fate of the season‑closing events in Qatar and Abu Dhabi will be delivered by mid‑October. The 2026 championship is slated to conclude with two 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.
Both races remain on the official calendar, which currently lists 23 events, and sources close to the sport, including Sky Sports News, indicate that the governing body intends to keep them on the schedule. However, contingency plans are in place should the security situation deteriorate.
The most likely alternative venue is Italy’s historic Imola circuit, which could serve as a replacement finale if the Middle Eastern rounds are deemed unsafe. Organisers have the luxury of time to make a final call, as the decision deadline has not yet arrived.
During the F1 Commission meeting on Monday, team principals were briefed on the timeline for the decision. At Thursday’s press conference in Baku, the team heads confirmed that they now have a clear window for when they will be informed.
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu explained, "I understand that Stefano [Domenicali, the FIA president] aims to give us a definitive answer in mid‑October so that everyone knows where we stand. Imola is being prepared as a backup, but we all hope the original plan proceeds and we can race in Qatar and Abu Dhabi as intended. That would be ideal." Audi‑affiliated team boss Mattia Binotto added, "We discussed the matter at the F1 Commission on Monday.
Mid‑October is the final deadline for that decision." Sky Sports F1 correspondent Craig Slater provided further insight, stating, "The latest information I have from leadership sources at Formula 1 is that both Qatar and Abu Dhabi are still on the calendar and the intention is to run them. If the regional stability remains as it is over the next few weeks, the races should be able to go ahead.
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 cancelled, Imola would step in, and the sport has pledged to compensate the circuit for any financial losses incurred in preparing for a possible replacement race." Slater concluded, "Mid‑October is when the teams expect to receive clarification, so we’ll be watching closely for any updates." In Baku, Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton expressed his personal desire to see the sport return to the Middle East as originally planned. "I love going to the Middle East and I’d personally like to race there," Hamilton said.
"From what I’ve read, the situation looks stable, but I don’t have all the details, so I can’t assess the exact risk levels. I trust Stefano to make the right call for Formula 1, and I hope we get to race there." He also weighed the alternative of finishing the season at Imola, noting, "Winter in Imola could bring less favourable weather, and while it’s a beautiful circuit, it doesn’t offer many overtaking opportunities. More races are always better for the sport and the fans." The broader schedule for the weekend includes a packed program of Formula 2 support races and multiple sessions for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. On Friday, September 25, the day begins with the 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 GP qualifying build‑up later in the afternoon.
Saturday, September 26, sees the second F2 Feature Race at 7:55 am, the main Grand Prix action at midday, and post‑race analysis throughout the afternoon. All events are broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and streamed via NOW, with no long‑term contract required. The uncertainty surrounding the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races highlights the challenges that global sport faces when geopolitics intersect with scheduling.
While the FIA and Formula 1 management are keen to maintain a full calendar to satisfy sponsors, broadcasters, and fans, they must also prioritize the safety of teams, personnel, and spectators. The mid‑October decision point will be crucial: a green light will allow the championship to close on its planned high‑profile venues, while a postponement or cancellation will see Imola step into the spotlight as the season finale. Regardless of the outcome, the teams remain focused on delivering competitive performances in Baku this weekend, and they will adapt swiftly to any final directive from the sport’s leadership.
The next few weeks will determine whether the 2026 season ends under the desert lights of Qatar and the glamour of Abu Dhabi, or whether the historic Italian track at Imola will host the decisive races in a winter setting.