F1 Qatar and Abu Dhabi GP Decision: Formula 1 teams are expected to know by the middle of October whether the 2026 Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix will happen as planned. Both races are still on the calendar and are set to finish the season. Qatar is scheduled for November 27-29, while Abu Dhabi will take place from December 4-6.
The two Middle Eastern races have been uncertain for months because of the conflict in the region that started in February. The current season is running to 23 races, but Formula 1’s intention is still to hold the final two events if the situation remains stable.
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Italy’s Imola circuit is being kept ready as a backup plan. F1 can use the track if the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races can’t be held. Officials don’t have to make that change now and can keep watching the situation before making a final decision.
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu said the teams expect an update from F1 president Stefano Domenicali in October.
“I believe that Stefano [Domenicali, F1’s president] is targeting to tell us in mid-October so we all know what the situation is.
“I believe that Imola is getting ready in case we have to do it [there].
“But hopefully things can stay as a baseline and we can go to Qatar and Abu Dhabi. That’d be really good.”
Audi’s Mattia Binotto also said the matter was discussed during the latest F1 Commission meeting.
“We discussed it during the F1 Commission last Monday. Mid-October is the last call for such a decision.”
Sky Sports F1 correspondent Craig Slater said information from F1 leadership is that both races are still planned. He said the current level of stability would be enough for the races to happen if they were held soon. A worsening situation could change that. Imola would only be used if the final two Middle Eastern races can’t take place. F1 would also compensate Imola for financial losses from preparing for the possible race.
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“Mid-October is the teams’ understanding that they will get some kind of clarification on that matter, so we will have to watch this space to a degree.”
Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton also spoke about the issue while in Baku. He said he wants Formula 1 to return to the Middle East and hopes the races can stay on the schedule.
“I personally want to go. I love going to the Middle East,” said Hamilton.
“From what I’ve read, I think things seem OK out there. But I don’t have all the information so I don’t know what the risk levels are. But I trust in Stefano to make the right decision for the sport, but I do hope that we get to go there.
“Finishing in winter in Imola might not be the best weather-wise, and also it’s a beautiful track, but it’s not a track that we’re going to be doing any overtaking in and the more races, the better.”
5.10am: F2 Sprint
9.15am: Azerbaijan GP Practice Three (session starts at 9.30am)
11.10am: F2 Feature Race 1
12.30pm: Azerbaijan GP Qualifying build-up
1PM: AZERBAIJAN GP QUALIFYING
3pm: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook
7.55am: F2 Feature Race 2
10.30am: Grand Prix Sunday: Azerbaijan GP build-up
12PM: THE AZERBAIJAN GRAND PRIX*
2pm: Chequered Flag: Azerbaijan GP reaction
3pm: Ted’s Notebook
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