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 by mid‑October. Teams now know when they can expect the final verdict on whether the two Middle‑Eastern rounds will proceed as originally scheduled. The 2026 championship is slated to conclude with back‑to‑back weekends: the Qatar Grand Prix set for 27‑29 November, followed by the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on 4‑6 December. However, the ongoing conflict that erupted in the region earlier this year has cast a shadow over these dates, leaving organizers and competitors uncertain for several months.
Both races remain on the provisional calendar, which currently lists 23 events, and insiders at Sky Sports News say the governing body’s intention is still to run them. Should the security situation deteriorate beyond acceptable levels, the series has identified Italy’s historic Imola circuit as a fallback venue to cap the season. This contingency would only be activated if the Middle‑Eastern rounds are deemed unsafe, and the FIA has indicated there is still time before a final determination is made.
During an F1 Commission meeting on Monday, team principals received clarification on the decision‑making timetable, which they reiterated at Thursday’s press conference in Baku. Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu explained, "I understand Stefano [Domenicali, the F1 president] aims to give us a clear answer in mid‑October so we all know the situation. Imola is being prepared as a backup, but we hope the baseline plan – racing in Qatar and Abu Dhabi – can stay intact.
That would be fantastic." Audi’s former technical chief Mattia Binotto added, "We discussed this at the F1 Commission on Monday. Mid‑October is the final deadline for a decision." Sky Sports’ Formula 1 correspondent Craig Slater provided additional context: "The latest information from senior Formula 1 leadership confirms 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 be able to proceed. Only a fresh deterioration would force a cancellation." He continued, "Imola is earmarked as a contingency, but the organizers are not forced to commit to it unless the last two races become impossible.
Should that happen, Imola would step in and the sport would compensate the circuit for any financial losses incurred while preparing for a potential event." Slater summed up the consensus among the teams: "Mid‑October is when we expect a clear statement. Until then, we’ll keep a close eye on the situation." In Baku, Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton expressed optimism about the possibility of racing in 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 there, but I don’t have the full picture on risk levels. I trust Stefano to make the right call for the sport, and I hope we can still 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 the overtaking opportunities we enjoy.
The more races we have, the better." The broader schedule for the weekend in Baku includes a packed lineup of Formula 2 and Formula 1 sessions. On Friday, September 25, the day begins with the F2 Sprint at 5:10 am, followed by Azerbaijan Grand Prix Practice Three at 9:15 am (the session itself starts at 9:30 am).
Later that morning, the F2 Feature Race 1 runs at 11:10 am, and the Grand Prix qualifying build‑up kicks off at 12:30 pm. The official Azerbaijan GP Qualifying takes place at 1 pm, with Ted’s Qualifying Notebook airing at 3 pm. Saturday, September 26, features the second F2 Feature Race at 7:55 am, followed by the main Grand Prix build‑up. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix itself starts at noon, with the chequered flag and post‑race reaction scheduled for 2 pm, and Ted’s Notebook concluding the coverage at 3 pm.
All events are also streamed live on Sky Sports Main Event. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix marks the start of a triple‑header of races for the 2026 Formula 1 season, and the weekend’s action will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1. Viewers can stream the coverage via NOW, with no long‑term contract required and the option to cancel at any time.
In summary, the F1 community is awaiting a mid‑October announcement that will confirm whether the Qatar and Abu Dhabi rounds will proceed as planned or be replaced by a contingency race at Imola. The decision hinges on the evolving security landscape in the Middle East, and teams are prepared for either outcome, hoping that the original schedule can be maintained to deliver a full, exciting finale to the 2026 championship.