F1 keeps Qatar and Abu Dhabi races, Imola off standby
Formula 1 will keep its two final races in the Gulf, despite the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, and has stood down a back-up venue.
Key points
- Formula 1 will go ahead with races in Qatar on 27-29 November and Abu Dhabi on 4-6 December.
- The Imola circuit in Italy has been told it is no longer needed as a back-up venue.
- F1 says it will still cancel the races if the situation in the region worsens.
- Some senior figures in the sport have expressed concern about travelling to the region.
- Earlier races in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain were cancelled or moved because of the war with Iran.
Formula 1 has decided to hold its two final races of the season in the Middle East, according to BBC Sport. The championship is still planning events in Qatar and in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates, despite the continuing conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran.
The Qatar race is set for 27-29 November, and the Abu Dhabi event is planned for 4-6 December. Until this week, the Imola circuit in Italy had been asked to prepare for a possible grand prix on the Abu Dhabi dates if the Gulf races could not take place. On Tuesday, Imola was told to stop those preparations.
F1 has stated that it would still cancel both races if conditions in the region get worse. A spokesperson said the sport would act responsibly if the situation changes for the worse in the coming weeks, and that the safety of everyone involved remains the top priority.
Why the sport is going ahead
According to the sport, pressing ahead with Qatar and Abu Dhabi was always the default choice. It said conditions in both countries have not worsened in recent months. Government travel advice still permits visits, insurance remains valid, and events and business in both countries have returned to normal levels.
F1 also said that all of its teams support finishing the season as scheduled. Last weekend, Qatar hosted a motorcycle race in the MotoGP series. MotoGP has the same American parent company as F1.
Concerns inside the sport
Despite the decision, several senior figures in F1 have voiced unease to BBC Sport about going to the Middle East. Both host countries are close to parts of the Strait of Hormuz, where missile strikes are still reported. Saudi Arabia, which borders Qatar and the UAE, has been targeted by Houthi rebels from Yemen. Saudi Arabia has seen several events called off or moved back lately, following those strikes.
Earlier disruption and financial ties
The season has already been disrupted. Two races, in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, were called off or put back after the war with Iran began. The Bahrain race was later staged in October at Sepang, in Malaysia.
BBC Sport reports that F1 faces a hard decision. Qatar and Abu Dhabi pay large fees to host their events, and both are deeply involved in the sport as sponsors and investors. The Qatari sovereign investment fund part-owns the Audi team, and Abu Dhabi has a similar stake in McLaren.
Frequently asked questions
When are the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Formula 1 races?
According to BBC Sport, the Qatar race is planned for 27-29 November and the Abu Dhabi race for 4-6 December. Both dates remain under review if the regional situation worsens.
Why is Imola no longer needed?
Imola had been asked to prepare as a back-up venue for Abu Dhabi if the Middle East races could not go ahead. F1 has now told the circuit to stand down those preparations.
Could the Middle East races still be cancelled?
F1 says it is still prepared to cancel both races if the situation in the region deteriorates. It has said safety will remain the priority.
Sources
- BBC Sport: Formula 1 to finish season in Middle East
This article was written with the help of AI from reports by the outlets listed above. See our Editorial Policy. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
