FIA Confirms Middle East Finale Plans as Horner Reveals Near-Mercedes Move

The 2026 Formula 1 season finale remains intact as FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem confirms that the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix will proceed as scheduled despite ongoing regional tensions. In a separate historical revelation, Red Bull's Christian Horner admitted he nearly led the Mercedes team over a decade ago, providing a fascinating glimpse into the alternative history of the sport's most dominant eras.

Why it matters:

The stability of the Middle Eastern leg of the calendar is critical for the championship's conclusion, especially following the disruptions that forced the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian GPs earlier this year. Simultaneously, Horner's admission adds a layer of "what if" to the hybrid era, suggesting that the leadership of the two most successful modern teams could have been completely different.

The details:

• Calendar Stability: Ben Sulayem emphasized that while safety is the priority for drivers and staff, there is currently no reason to cancel the final two rounds.
• Operational Agility: The FIA is prepared to implement alternative staffing arrangements should travel restrictions arise, ensuring the races can be managed regardless of logistical hurdles.
• Regional Precedent: The 2026 season has already seen significant shifts, with the Bahrain race being rescheduled and held in Malaysia at the beginning of this October.
• The Mercedes Offer: Christian Horner revealed that Niki Lauda approached him in late 2012 to take charge of the Mercedes F1 operation before Toto Wolff's arrival in 2013.
• Loyalty over Lucre: Despite an attractive financial package, Horner chose to remain at Red Bull out of loyalty to the late founder Dietrich Mateschitz.
• The Hamilton Connection: Relatedly, Lewis Hamilton also considered a move to Red Bull in 2012, though the potential friction of pairing him with Sebastian Vettel ultimately blocked the deal.

What's next:

While the current plan is to finish the season in the Middle East, the FIA remains cautious, acknowledging that the geopolitical situation is unpredictable. All eyes will be on the final logistics as the paddock prepares for the season-ending sprint in Abu Dhabi.