The Formula 1 constructors 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 calendar is slated to conclude with two back‑to‑back rounds: the Qatar Grand Prix scheduled for 27‑29 November and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix set for 4‑6 December. However, the ongoing conflict that erupted in the Middle East in February has cast a lingering shadow over those dates, leaving teams and fans uncertain about whether the races will proceed as planned.
Despite the geopolitical turbulence, both Middle Eastern rounds remain on the official schedule, 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, but a final decision hinges on the security situation in the region. Should circumstances deteriorate, the series has identified Italy’s historic Imola circuit as a backup venue to host the finale.
Imola is already preparing as a contingency, and the organizers have promised to reimburse any costs incurred if the circuit is ultimately not used. The issue was discussed during the Formula 1 Commission meeting held on Monday, and team principals were given a clear timetable for when a verdict would be communicated.
At Thursday’s press conference in Baku, the leaders of the teams reiterated the information they received. Haas team boss Ayao Komatsu explained, "Stefano [Domenicali, the FIA president] has indicated that we should expect a decision by mid‑October. That will give everyone a clear picture of where we stand." He added that Imola is on standby, "but we are all hoping the baseline scenario holds and we can travel to Qatar and Abu Dhabi as originally scheduled. That would be ideal for the sport and the fans." Audi‑affiliated team principal Mattia Binotto echoed the sentiment, stating, "We covered the topic during the Commission meeting on Monday.
Mid‑October is the deadline for a final call." Sky Sports’ Formula 1 correspondent Craig Slater provided additional context: "From the leadership side at F1, the plan is still to keep both races on the calendar. The current assessment of regional stability suggests that, if conditions remain as they are over the next few weeks, the events can go ahead.
Only a significant deterioration would force a cancellation." He continued, "Imola is the fallback option, but the organizers are not forced to commit to it unless the last two races become impossible. Should that happen, they have pledged to compensate Imola for any financial losses incurred while preparing for a potential race." Slater also confirmed that the teams themselves understand that a clarification will come in mid‑October, and that they will be watching the situation closely. This timeline gives the sport a few weeks to assess security reports, diplomatic developments, and logistical considerations before making a final call.
In Baku, Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton expressed his personal hope that the calendar would remain intact. "I love going to the Middle East and I’m eager to race there," Hamilton said. "From what I’ve read, the situation appears to be stabilising, 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 can still compete in Qatar and Abu Dhabi." Hamilton also weighed the alternative of finishing the season at Imola, noting, "Winter weather in Imola isn’t ideal, and while it’s a beautiful circuit, it doesn’t offer many overtaking opportunities. More races are always better for the sport, the teams, and the fans." The broader schedule for the weekend in Azerbaijan was also highlighted, with a packed program of Formula 2 support races, practice sessions, qualifying, and the main Grand Prix. The day’s itinerary includes: - Friday, 25 September: F2 Sprint, Azerbaijan GP Practice Three, F2 Feature Race 1, and qualifying sessions.
- Saturday, 26 September: F2 Feature Race 2, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, post‑race analysis, and commentary from the Ted’s Notebook segment. All of these events are being broadcast live on Sky Sports F1 and streamed via NOW, allowing viewers to watch without a long‑term contract and with the flexibility to cancel at any time. In summary, while the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races are still slated to close out the 2026 season, the final verdict rests on the evolving security landscape in the Middle East.
Teams have been given a clear mid‑October deadline to receive confirmation, and Imola stands ready as a backup should the need arise. Drivers like Lewis Hamilton remain optimistic, trusting the sport’s leadership to navigate the challenges and preserve the integrity of the championship’s finale.