As Motorsport.com reports, the Formula 1 season finales in Qatar and Abu Dhabi are currently expected to go ahead as planned despite regional tensions. The ongoing conflict involving the United States-Israel and Iran previously led to the cancellation of races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia earlier this year, with the Bahraini organisers eventually moving their postponed grand prix to Malaysia. Meanwhile, ship attacks in the Strait of Hormuz have continued as oil exports slowed dramatically, and further conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen saw a missile attack claim 13 lives at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport.
Because of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates being close to these active conflict zones, doubts were cast over the two season-ending rounds. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali previously noted that keeping the events was the championship's Plan A, though a back-up plan existed to host the finale at Imola should things escalate. Fortunately, discussions surrounding a potential cancellation have faded recently, and the championship is poised to keep both the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races on the calendar. Additionally, MotoGP teams have been informed that the rescheduled Qatar round will take place in November.
We have also the common sense here that we will never take our staff or drivers or any officials to a place where we feel it is risky,
Speaking to selected media, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem expressed confidence about the security of the events. He pointed out a very personal reason for his peace of mind, noting that he keeps his children living in the Emirates. "One thing I would say, I have my children there - you think I would leave them there, and I'm here now with you?" he remarked, adding that the reality on the ground differs from what is portrayed on television and in the media.
That said, Ben Sulayem acknowledged the unpredictability of the situation. While he cannot predict the future, he confirmed that today there is no indication the races will be called off. He also stated he feels comfortable sending FIA staff to the region, noting that his staff are no more important to him than his own family. The governing body is keeping a close eye on other events like the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia, where any updates from the Federation of Motorsport in Saudi Arabia would be met with necessary adjustments, potentially pointing toward Morocco as a future alternative if needed.
To safeguard against potential travel disruptions, the FIA has put contingency measures in place. This includes leaning on local ASNs for volunteers and officials, much like when the Lebanese round of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship was staffed by officials from Cyprus, Greece, and Jordan, or when the Cypriot round concluded the championship after the Saudi Arabian round was cancelled. Ben Sulayem explained that backup teams of race directors and stewards are being prepared in case government travel restrictions prevent primary officials from reaching the venue.
Ultimately, the FIA insists it will not put personnel in harm's way. "We have also the common sense here that we will never take our staff or drivers or any officials to a place where we feel it is risky," Ben Sulayem concluded.
