Massive decision on last race confirmed by FIA as axed driver releases emotional statement - F1 News Today

F1 has made the final step toward hosting the final two races of its 2026 season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi as previously planned.

Imola had been preparing as a backup venue for the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix if conflict in the region made holding the race there untenable, but was told on Tuesday that its services will not be required.

That locks in the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races, and means that if there any dramatic late developments in the region between now and the teams travelling in late November, the F1 season will simply end two weeks and two races early in Las Vegas.

➡️ READ MORE: F1 confirms final decision on Qatar and Abu Dhabi races as Imola deadline passes

Esteban Ocon issues emotional statement after big decision on F1 future

Axed F1 star Esteban Ocon has spoken out for the first time since it was confirmed that he would not be returning to Haas this season.

Ocon was set to leave the US-owned team at the end of the 2026 campaign, but shock news came ahead of FP3 during the Mexican Grand Prix that reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa would be replacing him for the remainder of the event.

➡️ READ MORE: Esteban Ocon issues emotional statement after big decision on F1 future

Honda set for ANOTHER Aston Martin investigation as Fernando Alonso makes stunning admission

Honda have admitted that they are set to investigate the issues that caused yet another DNF for Lance Stroll in Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix.

Stroll pulled over to retire his Aston Martin after 30 laps with another power unit issue in Sao Paulo, his 13th retirement of the season and the 14th time he failed to complete enough laps to be a classified finisher.

➡️ READ MORE: Honda set for ANOTHER Aston Martin investigation as Fernando Alonso makes stunning admission

Kelly Piquet makes adorable announcement as Max Verstappen family grows

It looks like it's getting busier and livelier at the home of four-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen and his girlfriend Kelly Piquet.

The Brazilian regularly shares glimpses of her home life on her Instagram page and has now appeared to reveal two new arrivals in the family.

➡️ READ MORE: Kelly Piquet makes adorable announcement as Max Verstappen family grows

Red Bull decision-makers named as key Liam Lawson choice set to be made

In among all the talk of Ferrari in-fighting, constructors' championship sealing and unpredictable weather conditions, one F1 driver was being fiercely defended by a number of commentators and pundits.

Liam Lawson, despite vastly outperforming young team-mate Arvid Lindblad and having the best season of his career by some distance, still doesn't have a contract for the 2027 season.

➡️ READ MORE: Red Bull decision-makers named as key Liam Lawson choice set to be made

F1 insider makes explosive claim after Lewis Hamilton-Charles Leclerc clash: 'Always been a dirty driver'

A long-time F1 insider and former team manager has hit out at Charles Leclerc, calling him a 'dirty driver' after a series of incidents in recent weeks.

Peter Windsor was weighing in on the recent brouhaha between the Monegasque and his Ferrari team-mate Lewis Hamilton, saying that the Brit must have missed the memo on how Leclerc has driven throughout his career.

➡️ READ MORE: F1 insider makes explosive claim after Lewis Hamilton-Charles Leclerc clash: 'Always been a dirty driver'