FIA President Defends Middle East Finale Amid Security Concerns

F1 is navigating a geopolitical minefield as it approaches the final two rounds of the 2026 season. While uncertainty persists over the events in Qatar and Abu Dhabi due to ongoing regional conflict, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem is publicly backing the original schedule, asserting that safety risks are largely overstated by the media.

Why it matters:

The decision is more than a logistical hurdle; it is a test of F1's commitment to its Middle Eastern partners during a period of extreme volatility. With other major racing series opting to steer clear of the region to close out their championships, F1's final decision will serve as a bellwether for the safety and stability of the region's sporting infrastructure.

The details:

• Personal Assurance: Ben Sulayem argues that the ground reality differs from media narratives, citing the fact that his own children reside in the region as a primary indicator of safety.
• Safety Thresholds: Despite his confidence, the President admitted he cannot predict the future, emphasizing that the FIA will never deploy staff or drivers to a location deemed high-risk.
• Broader Trends: The caution is not limited to F1; reports suggest the Dakar Rally may move away from Saudi Arabia this coming January, signaling a wider shift in risk assessment for FIA-sanctioned events.

The big picture:

This season has already been defined by instability. The cancellation of the Saudi Arabian GP and the emergency relocation of the Bahrain GP to Malaysia earlier this year have left the paddock on edge. By attempting to hold the finales in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, F1 is striving to maintain its commercial trajectory and restore a sense of normalcy to a disrupted calendar.

What's next:

Should the security situation deteriorate, the FIA has already designated Imola as the official replacement venue.

• Historic Shift: A move to Italy would mark the first time in nearly 30 years that Formula 1 concludes its world championship on European soil.
• Operational Readiness: Ben Sulayem has already instructed his team to have a standby crew ready, ensuring that the race director and stewards can deploy immediately, regardless of whether the finale happens in the Middle East or Europe.