Ben Sulayem Confident Qatar and Abu Dhabi GPs Will Proceed

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem expects Formula 1 to conclude the 2026 season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi as scheduled. While acknowledging that the geopolitical climate remains unpredictable, the governing body insists there is currently no reason to abandon the final double-header.

Why it matters:

Middle East volatility has already significantly disrupted the 2026 calendar, with the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix already cancelled due to escalating conflicts. The ability to finish the season in the Gulf is not only a matter of sporting continuity but also critical for F1's deep commercial ties with the region.

The details:

• Ground Reality: Ben Sulayem argues that international media coverage often exaggerates the instability on the ground, citing his own family's residency in the UAE as a testament to the current security level.
• Contingency Planning: F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has reportedly identified Imola as a backup venue should the security situation deteriorate rapidly.
• Operational Readiness: To mitigate travel risks, the FIA is preparing standby officiating teams. This ensures that if primary stewards or the race director are blocked by government travel restrictions, a secondary team can step in.
• Regional Coordination: The FIA remains in close contact with local motorsport federations, drawing on experiences from the Middle East Rally Championship to manage logistics in high-risk zones.

The big picture:

This situation highlights the precarious balance F1 must maintain as it aggressively expands into high-value markets that are prone to sudden geopolitical shifts. The reliance on these venues for the season's climax puts the sport in a position where logistical agility is as important as sporting regulation.

What's next:

The FIA will continue to monitor the evolving security landscape. While the current stance is one of confidence, the final green light for the Qatar and Abu Dhabi events will depend on real-time intelligence and the safety of the personnel involved.