F1 teams expect mid-October decision on Qatar, Abu Dhabi GPs

F1 teams expect to learn in mid-October whether the season-ending races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi will take place as scheduled. The back-to-back rounds, set for November 27-29 and December 4-6, have been uncertain for months due to the Middle East conflict that began in February, but the intention remains to race as planned.

Why it matters:

The decision will shape the final stretch of the 2026 season. A last-minute switch to Imola would not only change the calendar but also the character of the title decider, with colder conditions and a circuit notorious for limited overtaking. The call also carries major logistical and financial consequences for teams and the sport.

The details:

• An F1 Commission meeting on Monday addressed the situation, with team bosses saying they received clarity on the timeline.
• Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu: "Stefano [Domenicali] is targeting to tell us in mid-October so we all know what the situation is. I believe Imola is getting ready in case we have to do it there."
• Audi counterpart Mattia Binotto: "Mid-October is the last call for such a decision."
• Sky Sports' Craig Slater reports from F1 leadership sources that both races are on the calendar and the intention is to go. The region is currently stable enough for the events to proceed, barring a deterioration.
• Imola would be compensated for any financial loss from preparing as a contingency, but F1 does not have to commit to it exclusively yet.

What's next:

Teams expect official clarification by mid-October. Lewis Hamilton, speaking in Baku, said he hopes the sport returns to the Middle East, noting that finishing the season at Imola would bring cold weather and a track where overtaking is difficult. With the championship entering its final phase, the grid now waits on a decision that could redefine the season's conclusion.