Formula 1 delays 2026 season finale decision to mid-October

Formula 1 team principals have indicated that a final decision regarding the 2026 season finale in Qatar and Abu Dhabi is now expected by mid-October. This follows a missed deadline in mid-September previously set by F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.

During the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu and Audi's Mattia Binotto noted that the delay is due to organizational and logistical challenges stemming from regional instability. If the Middle Eastern rounds are removed from the calendar, the circuit in Imola, Italy, is prepared to host the season finale.

Binotto stated that mid-October serves as the “last call” for a decision to allow teams to manage logistics. While concerns regarding December weather in Imola have been raised, Binotto suggested that average temperatures there are comparable to or warmer than those experienced during the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Preparations at Imola are already underway, including the authorization to begin constructing temporary grandstands.