F1 sticks with Qatar and Abu Dhabi as Imola remains on standby

Formula 1 is continuing with plans to race in Qatar and Abu Dhabi despite passing the mid-October point teams had identified for clarity over the final two rounds of the season.

Qatar remains scheduled for 27-29 November, followed by the Abu Dhabi finale from 4-6 December. Imola is being prepared as a contingency should the regional situation prevent either event from taking place. Teams had expected to know by the middle of October whether the original Formula 1 calendar could be maintained.

Audi team principal Mattia Binotto called mid-October the “last call” for a decision because of the logistical work required to switch the end of the season to Europe. That point has now passed without a calendar change.

F1 still planning Qatar and Abu Dhabi races

F1’s position remains that both Middle East races will take place unless circumstances force a rethink. Chief executive Stefano Domenicali said earlier this month that the calendar was confirmed and that Qatar and Abu Dhabi remained the planned final two Grands Prix.

There may therefore be no separate announcement confirming the races. A change is instead expected to be communicated only if F1 decides it can no longer travel to the region. Formula 2 chief executive Bruno Michel also said this week that he expects his championship, which supports F1 at both events, to finish its season as planned.

“I don’t think it’s going to happen. It’s not going to happen,” Michel said when asked about the possibility of cancellation.

Imola nevertheless remains ready if required. Preparations have been authorised at the Italian circuit so it can stage a December finale should F1 need to abandon its current plans.

The contingency has been in place for several months after the conflict in the Middle East affected the earlier part of the season. The original Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix were called off, although Bahrain’s race was later rearranged and held at Sepang in Malaysia.

Abu Dhabi organisers are continuing their preparations, with promoter Ethara saying this week that “nothing has changed”. Unless the regional situation deteriorates, F1 is therefore still heading for Qatar and Abu Dhabi rather than Imola.

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