FIA chief assures Qatar, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will go ahead despite Middle East tensions
Final races remain scheduled
The Formula One season’s final two races are due to take place in Qatar on November 29 and Abu Dhabi on December 6. Ben Sulayem said the FIA was prepared to deliver both events.
In a social media post on Tuesday, the FIA president said the organization was committed to staging two strong race weekends and ending the championship with a spectacle. He said drivers, teams and fans would be welcomed at the circuits.
Earlier calendar changes
Saudi Arabia’s Grand Prix was cancelled this year after the United States and Israel’s war with Iran began. The Bahrain race was postponed and transferred to Malaysia. Ben Sulayem’s assurances follow comments by F1 chief Stefano Domenicali last month. Several events in Saudi Arabia have also been cancelled or postponed in recent weeks after attacks on the country by Yemen’s Houthis.
Drivers have mixed views
F1 drivers have shown differing levels of comfort about racing in the Middle East. Four-time world champion Max Verstappen is among those who have raised concerns. Kimi Antonelli has already secured the drivers’ championship, while Mercedes clinched the constructors’ title last weekend in Sao Paulo.
Key points
- The Qatar race is scheduled for November 29, followed by Abu Dhabi on December 6.
- Saudi Arabia’s Grand Prix was scrapped, and Bahrain’s race was delayed and moved to Malaysia.
- Max Verstappen is among the drivers who have voiced reservations about racing in the region.
- Kimi Antonelli has won the drivers’ title, and Mercedes has secured the constructors’ crown.