Formula One is still deciding whether the current season can end in the Middle East, where the final two races are scheduled to take place. The last races of the 2024 season are set for November 29 in Qatar and December 6 in Abu Dhabi. However, due to ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran, the circuit in Imola, Italy, has been put on standby as an alternative venue for the season finale if the Middle Eastern events are canceled. A decision about the status of these races was expected by mid-month, but no firm deadline has been announced. For now, tickets for both the Qatari and Abu Dhabi races are still available. Plans for next year’s Formula One calendar are also being finalized, with a possible announcement later this week, potentially on Wednesday. Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are set to host the opening two races of the 2025 season in March. This year, both races were canceled due to rising regional tensions. However, a special edition of the "Bahrain Grand Prix" will take place in Malaysia at the Sepang circuit, south of Kuala Lumpur, in December. There is growing concern about holding major international sporting events in the Middle East amid the current geopolitical climate. The UK’s Foreign Office has warned that the situation remains unpredictable, with a risk of further attacks and escalation. However, it no longer advises against travel to the region. Despite these concerns, Qatar and Abu Dhabi remain on the current season’s calendar, leaving nine races still scheduled to take place. Meanwhile, Kimi Antonelli, the current championship leader, took a major step toward securing his first Formula One title by winning the race in Madrid on Sunday. His victory was aided by a Virtual Safety Car (VSC) period, which disrupted Lando Norris’ chances of securing his third win in four races and effectively eliminated his chances of defending his world championship. Norris criticized the VSC as a “stupid rule” and called for changes to how it is deployed to ensure fairness. Four-time world champion Max Verstappen acknowledged the frustration and said the issue would be discussed at the next drivers’ briefing in Azerbaijan in two weeks. He emphasized that while losing a win is painful, the debate over the VSC’s timing could lead to improvements in the future.