The Formula 1 teams have been told that a definitive answer about 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 back‑to‑back weekends – Qatar hosting its race from 27 to 29 November and Abu Dhabi following from 4 to 6 December – but the security situation in the Middle East, which has been volatile since the conflict erupted in February, has kept those dates in doubt. Both Grand Prix remain on the provisional calendar, which currently lists 23 races, and sources close to the sport say the organizers still intend to run them as planned. However, the FIA has identified Italy’s historic Imola circuit as a fallback venue should the Middle Eastern rounds become untenable.
Imola would effectively replace the two final races, and the governing body has indicated that there is still time to make a final call. During the F1 Commission meeting on Monday, team principals were briefed on the decision‑making schedule. At Thursday’s press conference in Baku, the team heads confirmed that they now know when the governing body expects to announce its verdict.
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu explained, “Stefano [Domenicali, the FIA president] has indicated that we should receive a clear answer in mid‑October, so everyone will know where we stand. Imola is being prepared as a contingency, but the hope is that the situation stabilises and we can still race in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. That would be ideal.” Audi‑backed former Mercedes boss Mattia Binotto added, “We discussed this at the Commission meeting on Monday. Mid‑October is the deadline for a final decision.” Sky Sports F1 correspondent Craig Slater offered further insight: “My latest information from Formula 1 leadership is that both Qatar and Abu Dhabi are still on the calendar and the intention is to go ahead.
If the regional stability holds over the next few weeks, the races should proceed. Only a significant deterioration would force a cancellation.” He continued, “Imola is on standby as a backup, but the organisers are not forced to commit to it unless the last two races are cancelled. Should that happen, Imola would receive compensation for any financial losses incurred in preparing for a possible event.” Slater summed up the consensus among the teams: “Mid‑October is when we expect clarification, so we’ll be watching the situation closely.” In Baku, Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton expressed his personal wish to see the sport return to the Middle East as originally scheduled. “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 okay, but I don’t have all the details on the risk level. I trust Stefano to make the right call for Formula 1, and I hope we can still go.” He added a logistical note, “Finishing the season in Imola would mean racing in winter conditions, which isn’t ideal. Imola is a beautiful circuit, but it doesn’t offer many overtaking opportunities, and we all prefer more races wherever possible.” The broader context of the weekend’s schedule was also highlighted. On Friday, September 25, the program includes an F2 sprint at 5:10 am, followed by the Azerbaijan Grand Prix Practice Three at 9:15 am, the F2 Feature Race at 11:10 am, and the main qualifying session for the Azerbaijan GP at 1 pm.
Saturday, September 26, features the second F2 Feature Race at 7:55 am, the Grand Prix itself at noon, and post‑race analysis later in the afternoon. All sessions are broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and can be streamed via NOW without a long‑term contract.
The uncertainty surrounding the final two races underscores the broader challenges that Formula 1 faces when geopolitical events intersect with its global calendar. While the sport has demonstrated flexibility in the past—relocating races, adjusting dates, and even creating new venues—the decision to replace Qatar and Abu Dhabi with Imola would have financial and logistical repercussions for teams, promoters, and local economies. Conversely, proceeding with the original plan would signal confidence in the region’s ability to provide a safe environment for drivers, staff, and spectators. Stakeholders are also mindful of the commercial implications.
The Middle Eastern rounds are high‑profile events that attract significant sponsorship and viewership, especially from automotive and technology partners eager to tap into the region’s market. A cancellation could affect contractual obligations and revenue streams, prompting the FIA to offer financial safeguards to Imola organizers if they are called upon at short notice. In summary, the F1 community awaits a mid‑October announcement that will either confirm the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as the season’s finale or activate Imola as the backup venue.
Until then, teams continue to prepare for both scenarios, and fans are encouraged to stay tuned for updates as the situation evolves.