Formula 1 will proceed with its season-ending Grands Prix in Qatar and Abu Dhabi as scheduled, series Chief Executive Stefano Domenicali announced, despite persistent geopolitical tensions across the Middle East.
Domenicali Confirms Middle East Schedule Amid Regional Conflict
Speaking to French broadcaster Canal+ and Sky Sport Italia in the paddock at Sepang, Domenicali dismissed speculation that the final two rounds of the world championship would be canceled or relocated due to the military conflict involving the United States, Iran, and Israel. The F1 boss stated that officials had received assurances that all logistical and security arrangements were in order. “With the information we have, everything is confirmed to stay in Qatar and Abu Dhabi,” Domenicali told Canal+, adding that teams and drivers were being kept fully informed of the situation without filter.
The confirmation follows a turbulent scheduling year that already forced the cancellation of the season’s spring races in Bahrain and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. While Bahrain’s postponed event was eventually salvaged and relocated to the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, the endurance racing world championship (WEC) chose entirely different European venues—Barcelona and Monza—to replace its canceled rounds in Bahrain and Qatar. F1 organizers evaluated contingency options, including moving the United Arab Emirates finale to Imola, Italy, before ultimately committing to the Gulf swing.
Driver Concerns and Safety Reassurances in Sepang
The decision to race in the region has drawn immediate scrutiny from the grid, most notably from reigning four-time world champion Max Verstappen. Speaking to broadcaster ViaPlay ahead of the Malaysian Grand Prix weekend, where he secured pole position, the Red Bull driver voiced explicit reservations about traveling to the Gulf. “I am normally happy to go to Qatar and Abu Dhabi, but there is a war around and if certain countries are in conflict, I think we shouldn’t go there,” Verstappen remarked.
By Thursday in the Sepang press conference, the Dutch driver adopted a more measured stance, stating diplomatically that he trusted the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and Formula 1 management to make the correct safety decisions. Domenicali emphasized the immense financial stakes involved, noting that a single Grand Prix represents a budget of several tens of millions of dollars alongside high commercial demand, evidenced by near-complete ticket sales for the Abu Dhabi finale.
Calendar Finales Set for Late November and December
Formula 1 teams will head to the Lusail International Circuit for the Qatar Grand Prix on November 29, before concluding the world championship at the Yas Marina Circuit for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 6.
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