The final races of the Formula One season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi will proceed as planned despite ongoing regional tensions in the Middle East, according to Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of motorsports’ governing body.
Race Schedule and Regional Disruptions
The final two grands prix of the year are scheduled for November 29 in Qatar and December 6 in Abu Dhabi. Earlier in the season, the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix was cancelled following the outbreak of the United States and Israel’s war with Iran. Additionally, the Bahrain race was postponed and relocated to Malaysia.
Several events in Saudi Arabia, which shares borders with Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, have been cancelled or postponed in recent weeks following attacks on the country by Yemen’s Houthis.
Official Preparations and Reactions
“We are ready for Qatar and Abu Dhabi,” said Ben Sulayem, president of the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), on social media on Tuesday. He added that the organization is fully prepared and committed to delivering two outstanding race weekends and a spectacular conclusion to the Formula One World Championship.
“We look forward to welcoming drivers, teams and fans to two iconic circuits for an unforgettable finish to the season. See you on the grid,” Ben Sulayem stated. His comments reflect similar remarks made by F1 boss Stefano Domenicali last month.
Meanwhile, Formula One drivers have expressed mixed feelings about competing in the Middle East, with four-time world champion Max Verstappen among those voicing reservations. On the competitive front, Italian youngster Kimi Antonelli has already secured the drivers’ world championship title, while his Mercedes team claimed the constructors’ crown last weekend in Sao Paulo.
