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FIA President Challenges Middle East ‘Risk’ Ahead of Crucial F1 Decision
Highlights
- F1 aims to complete season with Qatar and Abu Dhabi races.
- Saudi Arabian GP canceled; Bahrain GP moved to Malaysia.
- FIA president expresses confidence in Middle East security situation.
- Backup plan includes Imola hosting season finale if needed.
- Qatar GP on November 29; Abu Dhabi GP on December 6.
- Dakar Rally might avoid Saudi Arabia due to safety concerns.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem says Formula 1 still expects to complete the season with the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix, despite conflict continuing to affect the Middle East.
The Saudi Arabian GP is canceled, while Bahrain’s round moves to Malaysia, escalating uncertainty after earlier schedule disruptions across the region.
Ben Sulayem cites his personal presence and family living locally as evidence he trusts current security assessments, asking, “Why would I leave my family there and stay here otherwise?”
As of now, there is nothing to stop the races from happening.
He reiterates the FIA’s duty of care, stating staff and competitors will not travel if risk thresholds are exceeded, consistent with processes outlined in the governing body’s event protocols.
Parallel events face similar decisions. The Dakar Rally may avoid Saudi Arabia next January, reflecting persistent caution that extends beyond circuit racing.
We will never take anyone to a place where we feel it’s risky.
Calendar planning continues. Qatar is scheduled for November 29, with Abu Dhabi set for December 6, fixtures likely to shape the titles and decisive constructor battles.
Contingencies are active. If either race cannot proceed, Imola is under evaluation to host the finale, the first European season‑ender in nearly three decades.
Imola is on standby to host a European season finale if required.
Operational readiness is central. The FIA is preparing a standby officiating group to mitigate travel restrictions or logistical blocks that could sideline key race directors and stewards.
“You have to be ready and have another team in place just in case.”
The stance balances pragmatism and commitment. Races proceed only if conditions permit, yet contingency work aims to safeguard the competitive integrity of the 2026 championship.
Visual Summary
QATAR
🟣
Nov 29
🟣
Nov 29
ABU DHABI
⚪
Dec 6
IMOLA?
🇮🇹
Backup if
Middle East unsafe
🇮🇹
Backup if
Middle East unsafe
🏁 Which side will F1’s Finale tip?
🛡️
“As of now, there’s nothing to stop the races
from happening.”
– FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem,
as the world holds its breath amid uncertainty
“As of now, there’s nothing to stop the races
from happening.”
– FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem,
as the world holds its breath amid uncertainty
👁️
All eyes on the Middle East.
Fans, teams, and FIA await the final call.
All eyes on the Middle East.
Fans, teams, and FIA await the final call.
Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.
