Formula 1 will decide the fate of the final two races of the 2026 season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi by mid-October. Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu and Audi counterpart Mattia Binotto have confirmed the deadline for the decision.
The two Grands Prix have remained uncertain since war broke out in the Middle East between Iran and the United States in February. Despite previous expectations of peace, no truce has yet been brokered in the region.
Formula 1 has not announced a definitive cancellation, meaning Qatar and Abu Dhabi remain on the calendar for now. However, the mid-October deadline gives teams a clear timeline for determining whether the sport can travel to the region for the final two rounds.
Komatsu said F1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali is targeting mid-October to provide an update. The decision is particularly important for teams because extensive logistical preparations are required ahead of the final two races.
If Qatar and Abu Dhabi cannot take place, Imola is being prepared as a potential replacement for the first weekend of December. Komatsu confirmed that the Italian circuit is making preparations in case F1 needs an alternative venue.
"I believe Stefano is targeting to tell us in mid-October, so we will all know what the situation is," Komatsu said. He also confirmed that Imola is getting ready in case the replacement race is required.
Binotto confirmed that mid-October represents the final deadline for such a decision. He said the biggest challenges of replacing the Middle East double-header with Imola would be organisational and logistical rather than technical.
One issue would involve European motorhome structures and the personnel responsible for operating them, who normally move into winter work during that period. Komatsu said the F1 community would need to find alternative arrangements if Imola is required.
Weather is another consideration, with the possibility of cold and wet conditions in Imola during early December. Binotto, however, suggested the concern may not be as significant as initially expected, noting that average temperatures in Imola at that time of year are higher than those experienced during the Las Vegas Grand Prix at night.
For now, the teams remain hopeful that the season can conclude as scheduled with races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. The final decision in mid-October will determine whether the 2026 campaign ends in the Middle East or requires an alternative finale in Europe.
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