The 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 wrap up with two consecutive 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 that erupted in the Middle East in February has cast a shadow over those dates. Despite the uncertainty, both events remain on the official calendar, which currently lists 23 races for the year.
Sources close to Sky Sports News indicate that the governing body’s intention is still to hold the two Middle‑Eastern rounds, provided the security situation stabilises sufficiently. Should circumstances deteriorate to the point where the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races cannot be staged, the series has identified Italy’s historic Imola circuit as a backup venue.
Imola would act as a replacement for the final two rounds, allowing the championship to conclude without a gap in the schedule. The organisers have ample time before the mid‑October deadline to make a final call, and they have already begun preliminary preparations at Imola in case it is needed.
During the F1 Commission meeting held on Monday, team principals were briefed on the timeline for the decision. At Thursday’s press conference in Baku, the leaders of the teams confirmed that they now have a clear window for when the verdict will be announced. Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu explained, “Stefano [Domenicali, the F1 president] has indicated that we should expect an answer in mid‑October. That will give every team certainty about the situation.
Imola is being readied as a contingency, but our hope is that the original plan proceeds and we can race in Qatar and Abu Dhabi as originally scheduled. That would be ideal for everyone involved.” Audi‑backed team boss Mattia Binotto added, “We discussed the matter during the F1 Commission on Monday. The final decision is expected by mid‑October, and that is the deadline we are all working towards.” Craig Slater, Sky Sports’ F1 correspondent, provided further insight: “From the information I have received from senior Formula 1 officials, both Qatar and Abu Dhabi remain on the calendar and the intention is to go ahead with them. The current assessment of regional stability suggests that, if the situation does not worsen in the coming weeks, the races could proceed without major issues.
Only a significant deterioration would force a cancellation. "Imola is being kept as a fallback option, but the organizers are not forced to commit to 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 a possible race. "Mid‑October is the timeframe the teams understand for receiving a definitive update, so we will be watching closely as that date approaches." In Baku, Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton also voiced his personal hopes that the sport would be able to return to the Middle East as planned.
"I personally want to go. I love going to the Middle East," Hamilton said.
"From what I’ve read, things seem okay out there, 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 the sport, and I really hope we get to race there. "Finishing the season in winter at Imola might not be ideal weather‑wise, and while Imola is a beautiful circuit, it doesn’t offer many overtaking opportunities.
More races are always better for the sport and the fans." The broader context of the schedule includes a packed weekend of action in Azerbaijan. On Friday, September 25, the program 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 Grand Prix qualifying build‑up later in the day, culminating in the official qualifying session at 1 pm.
Saturday, September 26, continues with the second F2 Feature Race at 7:55 am, the main Grand Prix events starting at noon, and post‑race analysis throughout the afternoon. All of these sessions are broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and streamed via NOW, allowing viewers to watch without a long‑term contract.
The uncertainty surrounding the final two races underscores the complex relationship between global sport and geopolitical events. Formula 1 has a history of navigating political sensitivities, from the South African Grand Prix during apartheid to more recent debates over race locations. The organization’s approach this season reflects a balance between commercial commitments, the safety of teams and fans, and the desire to maintain a full, competitive calendar.
If the mid‑October decision confirms that Qatar and Abu Dhabi will go ahead, the championship will conclude with a dramatic showdown across two distinct venues: the desert‑styled circuit in Lusail, Qatar, known for its high‑speed straights and night‑time spectacle, and the Yas Marina track in Abu Dhabi, famed for its blend of technical sections and a stunning waterfront backdrop. Both races have become marquee events, attracting large audiences and significant sponsorship revenue. Conversely, if the decision swings the other way, Imola will step into the spotlight. The Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari has hosted Formula One in the past and is celebrated for its classic layout, challenging corners, and passionate Italian fanbase.
While it may lack the overtaking opportunities of the newer Middle‑Eastern circuits, Imola offers a nostalgic return to traditional European racing, and its inclusion would ensure the season ends on a high note without a calendar gap. Regardless of the outcome, the teams, drivers, and fans will be watching closely as mid‑October approaches.
The decision will not only affect the logistics and travel plans of the 20‑plus teams involved but also influence the championship standings, as points available in the final two races can be decisive in a tightly contested title fight. In the meantime, the focus remains on the current weekend’s action in Baku, where drivers will battle for valuable points and the chance to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the season. The upcoming races promise high‑octane excitement, strategic intrigue, and the ever‑present drama that makes Formula 1 a global sporting phenomenon.
As the calendar tightens and the geopolitical landscape evolves, Formula 1’s ability to adapt will be tested once again. The mid‑October deadline will provide the clarity needed for teams to finalize their preparations, whether that means packing for the Middle East or readying for an Italian finale at Imola.