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 arrive by mid‑October. The 2026 championship is slated to conclude with two consecutive rounds – the Qatar Grand Prix from 27 to 29 November followed by the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from 4 to 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 still appear on the official calendar, which currently lists 23 events, and sources close to Sky Sports News indicate that the governing body’s intention is to keep them on the schedule. Should the security situation deteriorate further, the series has identified Italy’s Imola circuit as a backup venue that could host the final race if the Middle‑Eastern rounds become untenable. The F1 management still has a window of time before a final verdict is required. During the F1 Commission meeting held on Monday, team principals received clarification on the timing of the decision.
At Thursday’s press conference in Baku, the leaders of the paddock reiterated the timeline. Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu said, “I understand Stefano [Domenicali, the F1 president] is aiming to give us an answer in mid‑October so that everyone knows where we stand. Imola is being prepared as a fallback, but we all hope the baseline plan – racing in Qatar and Abu Dhabi – can stay intact.
That would be fantastic.” Audi‑affiliated team boss Mattia Binotto added, “We discussed this at the F1 Commission on Monday. Mid‑October is the final deadline for a decision.” Sky Sports F1 correspondent Craig Slater provided additional context: “The latest word from Formula 1 leadership is that both Qatar and Abu Dhabi remain on the calendar and the aim is to run them. If the regional stability improves enough in the next few weeks, the races could proceed as scheduled.
Only a fresh deterioration would force a cancellation.” He explained the contingency plan: “Imola is on standby, but the organizers are not forced to abandon the two Middle‑Eastern events entirely. If the Qatar and Abu Dhabi rounds cannot happen, Imola would step in, and the series has pledged to compensate the circuit for any financial losses incurred while preparing for a potential race.” Slater concluded, “The consensus among the teams is that we will receive a clear update by mid‑October, so we’ll be watching the situation closely.” In Baku, Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton expressed his personal wish for the season to finish in the Middle East as originally planned. “I love going to the Middle East and I’d really like to race there,” Hamilton said. “From what I’ve read, the situation seems to be stabilising, but I don’t have all the details on the risk levels.
I trust Stefano to make the right call for the sport, and I hope we can still go.” He added a note on the alternative: “Finishing in winter at Imola might not be ideal weather‑wise, and while it’s a beautiful circuit, it doesn’t offer the same overtaking opportunities. More races are always better for the fans and the teams.” The broader schedule for the weekend in Baku includes a packed programme of Formula 2 and Formula 1 sessions. On Friday, September 25, the day begins with an F2 Sprint at 5:10 am, followed by the Azerbaijan Grand Prix Practice Three at 9:15 am (the session officially starts at 9:30 am).
The F2 Feature Race 1 runs at 11:10 am, and the qualifying build‑up for the Grand Prix starts at 12:30 pm, leading into the official qualifying session at 1:00 pm. Later, at 3:00 pm, Ted’s Qualifying Notebook provides analysis of the results. Saturday, September 26, sees the second F2 Feature Race at 7:55 am, followed by the main Grand Prix build‑up at 10:30 am. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix itself kicks off at noon, with the chequered flag and post‑race reaction scheduled for 2:00 pm.
Ted’s Notebook returns at 3:00 pm for a wrap‑up of the day’s events. All of these sessions are also broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event. The 2026 Formula 1 calendar continues to be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1 throughout the week, with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix serving as the centerpiece of a triple‑header of races. Viewers can stream Sky Sports via NOW, with no long‑term contract required and the ability to cancel at any time.
The series remains committed to delivering a full and exciting season, while simultaneously monitoring the geopolitical situation that could affect the final two rounds. The forthcoming mid‑October decision will determine whether the season concludes in the Middle East as planned or whether Imola will step in as the ultimate fallback venue.