FIA Confirms Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix Set to Proceed Amid Regional Tensions

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has expressed strong confidence that the upcoming Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix will proceed as scheduled. Despite escalating geopolitical tensions across the Middle East, the governing body believes the region remains secure enough to host the final stages of the 2026 Formula 1 season.

Why it matters:

The Middle East has been a volatile focal point for this year's calendar. Following the early-season cancellations in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, any further disruption to the finale would not only impact the championship's commercial interests but also create a logistical nightmare for teams already stretched thin by a grueling season. Maintaining the "Plan A" of a Middle Eastern finish is critical for the sport's strategic partnerships in the region.

The Details:

• Calendar Instability: Earlier this year, regional conflict forced the cancellation of the Saudi Arabian GP and the postponement of the Bahraini GP, which was eventually relocated to Malaysia.
• Security Concerns: Tensions remain high following missile attacks on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport and ongoing shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
• Contingency Planning: F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali previously identified Imola as the primary backup venue should the season finale in Abu Dhabi become untenable.
• Operational Flexibility: The FIA is prepared to lean on local ASNs (National Sporting Authorities) for officiating and volunteering if travel restrictions prevent European-based staff from arriving.

Between the lines:

Ben Sulayem’s confidence is rooted in personal stakes, noting that his own family resides in the UAE. He suggests a significant disparity between the alarmist tone of international media and the actual reality on the ground, implying that while the political climate is tense, the immediate physical risk to the events is overstated.

What's next:

While the current outlook is positive, the FIA remains in a state of high readiness. The focus now shifts to whether these security assurances hold through the November race dates. Beyond F1, the instability is already impacting other disciplines, with the 2027 Dakar Rally potentially moving to Morocco if Saudi Arabia remains an unviable host.