Sports · Motorsport · 1 hr ago
Sainz questions whether F1's Qatar and Abu Dhabi races will go ahead
Carlos Sainz doubts F1's final two races are certain to go ahead in Qatar and Abu Dhabi this season.
The Williams driver raised concerns at a press conference before the United States Grand Prix, pointing to ongoing tensions in the Middle East and political events that could change the situation quickly.
The races are scheduled for late November and the end of the season, while FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem says they will proceed based on the information available to F1 and the governing body.
Sainz said drivers would follow their safety decisions, but called firm assurances premature and said the situation should be monitored.
Williams later said Sainz trusts F1 and the FIA to put safety first and looks forward to the races.
The FIA and F1 have not announced a change to the schedule, and their safety assessment will guide what happens next.
Carlos Sainz said it was “very difficult to be convinced” that Formula 1’s Qatar and Abu Dhabi races would go ahead as planned.
He cited continuing developments in the Middle East and possible political changes after the US midterm elections.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has said the races will go ahead based on the information and advice available.
Sainz said drivers should follow the FIA and Formula 1’s safety decisions but remain ready to respond if circumstances change.
Williams later issued a statement in which Sainz said he trusted the FIA and Formula 1 to put safety first.
- Who
- Carlos Sainz, a Williams driver and GPDA director, questioned whether the races would go ahead.
- What
- Sainz said it was difficult to be convinced that Formula 1’s Qatar and Abu Dhabi races would take place as planned.
- When
- He spoke at a press conference ahead of the United States Grand Prix on October 22, 2026.
- Where
- The races are scheduled for Qatar and Abu Dhabi; Sainz made his comments at a United States Grand Prix press conference.
- Why
- He cited continuing events in the Middle East and possible political developments in the United States that could affect the next month and a half.
Formula 1 and FIA
Carlos Sainz
Race plans
Formula 1 and FIA
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races would go ahead as scheduled.
Carlos Sainz
Sainz said it was too early to be convinced they would definitely take place.
Safety decisions
Formula 1 and FIA
The FIA and Formula 1 say the races are planned to proceed based on available information and advice.
Carlos Sainz
Sainz said drivers should trust their decisions but stay alert and respond to changes.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the two races would go ahead based on information and advice available to the FIA and Formula 1.
Sainz questioned whether the races would definitely take place during a press conference ahead of the United States Grand Prix.
Williams issued a statement in which Sainz said he trusted the FIA and Formula 1 to put safety first.
- Races in question
- Qatar and Abu Dhabi
- Scheduled season
- 2026
- Sainz's team
- Williams
- US midterm elections
- November 3
- FIA president
- Mohammed Ben Sulayem
3 sources
What people are saying
it's very difficult to be convinced right now
I want to be clear that I know the FIA and Formula 1 will put safety first and completely trust them to make the right decision.
are going to happen
there's been difficult situations in the past, through conflicts and all kinds of things