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. This clarification comes after months of uncertainty caused by the ongoing conflict that erupted in the Middle East in February and has cast doubt over whether the November‑December races can proceed as originally scheduled. Under the current 2026 calendar, the championship is slated to finish with two back‑to‑back outings: the Qatar Grand Prix, set for 27‑29 November, followed by the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on 4‑6 December. Both events remain listed on the official schedule, which now comprises 23 races, and sources close to the sport say the intention is still to run them.
However, the volatility in the region means that the organisers must keep a contingency plan ready. The fallback option being discussed is a return to Italy’s historic Imola circuit. If the situation in the Gulf deteriorates to the point where the Middle Eastern rounds become untenable, Imola could be brought forward to close the season.
Formula 1 officials have indicated that they have a little more time before a final verdict is required, but the teams need to know soon enough to make logistical and financial preparations. During the Formula 1 Commission meeting on Monday, team principals were briefed on the timeline for the decision. At Thursday’s press conference in Baku, the leaders of the various outfits confirmed that they had been given a clear target date for when the governing body expects to announce its ruling. Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu explained, "Stefano [Domenicali, the FIA’s president and F1’s chief executive] has indicated that we should hear a definitive answer by mid‑October.
That will give everyone a clear picture of whether we head to Qatar and Abu Dhabi or need to pivot to Imola." He added, "Imola is already being pre‑pped as a backup, but the hope is that the baseline scenario holds and we can race in the Middle East as planned. That would be ideal for the sport and the fans." Audi‑backed Ferrari technical director Mattia Binotto echoed the sentiment, stating, "We covered this topic at the F1 Commission last Monday.
The consensus is that mid‑October will be the cut‑off for any decision." Sky Sports’ Formula 1 correspondent Craig Slater provided further insight, saying, "My latest information from the top echelons of F1 management is that both Qatar and Abu Dhabi are still on the calendar and the goal remains to run them. The current assessment of regional stability suggests that, if the situation does not worsen in the next few weeks, the races could go ahead without issue." He continued, "Imola is on standby as a contingency, but there’s no requirement to lock it in at the expense of the final two races. Should the Gulf events be cancelled, Imola would step in, and the organisers have pledged to compensate any financial losses incurred by preparing the circuit for a possible race." "Mid‑October is when the teams expect a clear statement, so we’ll be watching closely," Slater added.
In Baku, Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton expressed a personal desire to see the season finish in the Middle East. "I love going to the Middle East and would really like to race there," he said. "From what I’ve read, the situation appears to be stabilising, although I don’t have all the data on risk levels. I trust Stefano to make the right call for the sport, and I hope we get to race in Qatar and Abu Dhabi as planned." Hamilton also noted the drawbacks of a potential Imola finale: "Finishing the season in winter at 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 championship and the fans." The broader schedule for the weekend includes a packed programme of Formula 2 support races and multiple Formula 1 sessions. On Friday, September 25, the F2 Sprint will kick off at 5:10 am, followed by the third practice session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix at 9:15 am (the session itself starts at 9:30 am). The F2 Feature Race 1 is slated for 11:10 am, with qualifying for the main event beginning at 12:30 pm. The qualifying session for the Azerbaijan GP runs at 1:00 pm, and a post‑qualifying analysis will be presented at 3:00 pm.
Saturday, September 26, features the second F2 Feature Race at 7:55 am, the main Grand Prix build‑up throughout the morning, and the Azerbaijan Grand Prix itself starting at 12:00 pm. The race will conclude with a chequered‑flag reaction segment at 2:00 pm, followed by a final commentary notebook at 3:00 pm. All sessions will also be streamed live on Sky Sports Main Event. The 2026 Formula 1 season continues to be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix serving as the opening race of a triple‑header weekend.
Viewers can stream the coverage via NOW, without a long‑term contract and with the option to cancel at any time. In summary, while the official calendar still lists Qatar and Abu Dhabi as the final two stops, the definitive go‑or‑no‑go decision will be communicated to the teams by mid‑October. Until then, Imola remains on standby as a safety net, ensuring that the championship can still conclude even if the Middle Eastern events prove unfeasible. The teams, drivers, and fans alike are hopeful that the situation will improve sufficiently to allow the season to finish as originally envisioned, delivering a thrilling climax to the 2026 Formula 1 campaign.