Sainz Questions F1's Confidence in Middle East Season Finale

Carlos Sainz has cautioned Formula 1 and the FIA against their current confidence that the season-ending races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi will proceed as scheduled. While governing bodies insist safety is guaranteed, Sainz argues that the volatile geopolitical climate makes such certainty premature.

Why it matters:

The safety of personnel and the stability of the calendar are paramount. Any sudden escalation in regional tensions could force a late-season scramble, affecting championship points and logistical planning for the entire paddock in the closing weeks of 2026.

The details:

• Governing Stance: FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali maintain that current security assessments support the events, citing direct coordination with regional governments and promoters.
• Sainz's Perspective: The GPDA director notes that political shifts—including international tensions and global political events—can change rapidly, making current assurances potentially unreliable.
• Driver Reliance: Despite his concerns, Sainz emphasizes that drivers must trust the governing bodies' internal intelligence, as they lack the high-level political data available to the FIA and FOM.

What's next:

F1 is maintaining its current schedule but has already established a contingency plan to avoid a calendar void.

• If the Middle East events are canceled, the season is expected to conclude at the Italian circuit of Imola in early December.
• The paddock will remain diligent and reactive as the calendar moves toward the final flyaway races of the year.