Formula 1 teams expect final call on Qatar, Abu Dhabi Grands Prix by middle of October on closing 2026 season races

Formula 1 teams have been informed they will receive a final decision by mid-October on whether the season-ending Qatar Grand Prix (November 27-29) and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (December 4-6) will proceed as scheduled. Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu and Audi's Mattia Binotto confirmed the timeline, with uncertainty surrounding the races due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East that began in February. The announcement came as teams prepared for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend.