Formula 1 to Delay Decision on Qatar and Abu Dhabi as Long as Possible

The World Rally Championship (WRC) announced yesterday the cancellation of the final round of the 2026 season, originally scheduled for mid-November in Saudi Arabia. The decision stems from the ongoing instability in the Middle East.

This move was widely anticipated, especially after both Toyota and Hyundai teams declared their inability to participate in the Jeddah event. Consequently, the WRC season will now conclude in early October with Rally Sardinia.

However, the fate of the Formula 1 season finale remains uncertain. The championship is set to conclude with races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, slated for late November and early December. Formula 1 had initially stated a decision would be made by mid-September, but no announcement has yet materialized.

According to Sky Sports F1 reporter Craig Slater, motorsport executives will delay their decision on whether the two races will proceed for as long as possible. Should they be cancelled, the championship would conclude at Imola, which would host either the Qatar or Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Given the expected late decision, preparations at Imola would already be underway, despite the uncertainty of a race taking place there. If the event doesn't go ahead, Formula 1 is prepared to compensate the Italian track's owners for any incurred preparation costs.