F1 races to proceed despite regional tensions

Despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem remains convinced that the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will proceed as planned. The governing body states it is closely monitoring the security situation and preparing several contingency solutions.

Geopolitical concerns affect F1 calendar

The geopolitical situation in the Middle East continues to raise questions regarding the conclusion of the Formula 1 World Championship. The conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has already led to the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Regional conflicts heighten security concerns

Attacks against maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and new violence involving Houthi rebels in Yemen have also increased concerns in the region. Despite this context, Formula 1 wishes to maintain the last two races on the calendar, in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

F1 leadership reaffirms race plans

Stefano Domenicali, president and chief executive officer of F1, has already reaffirmed this intention, while the Imola circuit is being considered as a replacement if circumstances require it. Mohammed Ben Sulayem shares this optimism, estimating that the situation on the ground does not always correspond to the image relayed internationally.

Personal assurance from FIA president

The FIA president, whose family resides in the United Arab Emirates, states he feels sufficiently secure not to consider leaving: "My children are there. Do you think I would leave them there if I considered the situation dangerous?" he said. He nevertheless acknowledges that no absolute guarantee can be given regarding the coming weeks.

Safety remains top priority

Safety remains the absolute priority of the federation. Ben Sulayem notes that the FIA has already demonstrated its ability to adapt by modifying several sporting events in the Middle East, notably during the cancellations in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

Contingency plans for travel disruptions

The organization is also preparing solutions to deal with potential travel restrictions. The FIA president has particularly requested that an additional team of officials be available in case certain race directors or officials cannot reach the circuits.

Flexibility in uncertain times

"Imagine that the teams are present, that Formula 1 is ready to organize the event, but we cannot bring our race director or officials. We must be prepared for this possibility," he explains. This approach has already been applied in other competitions, notably in the Middle East Rally Championship, where officials from several countries were mobilized to ensure the conduct of the events.

No immediate changes to end-of-season calendar

For Ben Sulayem, this flexibility is essential in such an uncertain international context: "We will never take our personnel, drivers, or officials to a place we consider dangerous," he insists. At this stage, the FIA does not plan any changes to the end-of-season calendar. The Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix remain scheduled, but their definitive continuation will depend on the evolution of security conditions in the region.