Sports · Motorsport · 2 hrs ago
FIA expects Qatar and Abu Dhabi F1 races to go ahead
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem expects the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix to go ahead as planned.
The races are scheduled to close the 2026 Formula 1 season, but tensions across the Middle East had raised doubts about holding them.
Earlier this year, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races were cancelled, and Bahrain’s postponed race was held in Malaysia.
Conflict and attacks in the region have kept safety concerns in focus, including attacks near the Strait of Hormuz and a missile strike on Riyadh’s airport that killed 13 people.
Ben Sulayem says he feels secure for now, but stresses that he cannot predict what may happen.
The FIA has kept Imola ready as a backup if the season finale needs to move or travel restrictions stop key staff attending.
The FIA says it will adjust if circumstances change, so the final venue plans remain subject to developments.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem says the Formula 1 races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi are expected to go ahead as planned.
His comments come amid continuing conflict and security concerns in the Middle East.
Ben Sulayem said he felt secure about the races but could not predict whether the situation would change.
The FIA has contingency measures, including a backup team if travel restrictions prevent key personnel from attending.
Imola remains available as a possible alternative venue for the season finale.
- Who
- FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem says the races will go ahead. Formula 1 and the FIA are involved.
- What
- The Qatar and Abu Dhabi Formula 1 races are expected to take place as planned.
- When
- The races are scheduled for the end of the 2026 season. Exact dates are not stated.
- Where
- Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
- Why
- Ben Sulayem says the races can go ahead based on the situation as he sees it now. The FIA is monitoring security and has contingency measures.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Formula 1 races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were called off.
The initial indication was that a decision on Qatar and Abu Dhabi would be made by this time.
The expected decision point shifted to this time.
A Bahrain-branded grand prix was held in Malaysia.
Ben Sulayem told media that the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races were going to happen.
- Races in question
- Qatar and Abu Dhabi
- Season
- 2026 Formula 1 campaign
- FIA president
- Mohammed Ben Sulayem
- Backup finale venue
- Imola
- Contingency measure
- A backup FIA team prepared in case travel restrictions prevent key personnel from attending
3 sources
What people are saying
I can only tell you today that there is nothing and the two races are going to happen.
I can't predict this.
I don't think the FIA staff would be more important to me than myself or my family.
Of course, the FIA is always ready.