FIA President Confirms Qatar and Abu Dhabi Races Set to Proceed Amid Regional Concerns
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has expressed confidence that F1 races in the Middle East will proceed as planned, despite regional tensions. He emphasized safety as a priority, assuring that contingency plans are in place.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has expressed confidence in Formula 1's plans to conclude the 2026 season with races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, despite some international events opting to bypass the region due to ongoing tensions. He believes the situation on the ground is more stable than media reports suggest.
While the F1 calendar appears set to wrap up in the Middle East, the region's instability has previously led to the postponement of races. This year, Bahrain managed to re-enter the schedule by swapping with Malaysia, while the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was canceled altogether. Speculation persists that Qatar and Abu Dhabi might face similar fates, with Imola on standby as a potential replacement.
Highlighting a recent incident where a missile struck an Aramco facility in Saudi Arabia, close to Qatar's Lusail International Circuit, Ben Sulayem assured that the FIA would not risk the safety of its staff or drivers. He stated, "We will never take our staff or drivers or any officials to a place where we feel it is risky. No way."
When asked if this meant the current situation in Qatar and Abu Dhabi was safe, he confirmed, "Yeah, fine." He added a personal touch, noting that his own children are in the region, indicating his confidence in its safety.
The FIA President acknowledged that while he can't predict the future, he sees no immediate threats to the races taking place. "But does this mean that there is nothing going to happen? I cannot predict this. I can only tell you today that there is nothing, and the two races are going to happen," he stated.
Addressing the broader concerns about the safety of events like the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia, Ben Sulayem reiterated that the FIA prioritizes safety above all. "If I am there, it means I feel secure about it," he said, underscoring his commitment to the safety of all involved.
The FIA has contingency plans should a sudden change in circumstances require a venue switch or if governments issue travel advisories. "I told the GM to have another ready team from the FIA if there was nothing going on, but maybe some governments say, you know, you cannot travel," he explained. Preparedness remains a key focus, ensuring that the championship can adapt quickly if needed.