F1 to decide Qatar, Abu Dhabi GP fate by mid-October — SkimNews
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- F1 told teams at Monday's F1 Commission meeting that a final call on the season-ending Qatar and Abu Dhabi GPs will be delivered in mid-October
- Qatar GP (November 27-29) and Abu Dhabi GP (December 4-6) remain on a 2026 calendar currently scheduled for 23 races despite months of uncertainty
- Imola is being prepared as the contingency venue to close the season if the Middle Eastern rounds are ruled unviable because of the conflict that began in February
- Haas principal Ayao Komatsu said F1 president Stefano Domenicali is targeting mid-October for clarity and that Imola 'is getting ready in case we have to do it'
- Audi team boss Mattia Binotto confirmed mid-October is 'the last call for such a decision,' capping how long F1 can keep the contingency open
- Sky Sports F1 correspondent Craig Slater reported F1's intention is for both Middle East races to go ahead, that regional stability 'would be stable enough' to run them now, and that Imola will be compensated for any financial loss in prepping
- Lewis Hamilton said he personally wants to race in the Middle East and trusts Domenicali's call, but warned that finishing in winter at Imola 'might not be the best weather-wise' for overtaking
Why it matters: The mid-October decision point forces F1 to either commit to a Middle East finale that internal sources say is currently 'stable enough' to run, or swap in Imola — a swap Hamilton flagged for winter weather and limited overtaking. F1 will also compensate Imola for prep costs, giving the Italian track a financial upside regardless of which way the call goes.
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