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FIA chief says Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to go ahead despite tensions
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem says the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix will take place as scheduled, despite continuing tensions in the Middle East. The decision matters because earlier this season the Saudi Arabian race was cancelled and Bahrain’s event was delayed and moved to Malaysia amid the conflict.
The final two races are set for 29 November in Qatar and 6 December in Abu Dhabi. Ben Sulayem said the FIA was prepared to deliver both events, echoing comments by F1 chief Stefano Domenicali last month; drivers have expressed mixed views, including Max Verstappen’s reservations. Kimi Antonelli has already secured the drivers’ title, while Mercedes clinched the constructors’ championship in São Paulo.
In short
- Qatar and Abu Dhabi races are planned to go ahead.
- The Grands Prix are scheduled for 29 November and 6 December.
- Earlier regional races were cancelled or relocated amid tensions.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Holding the races as scheduled could provide consistency for teams, staff and fans, while avoiding further disruption to the championship after earlier changes to the calendar. The FIA’s stated readiness, alongside Formula 1’s support, may reflect confidence that organisers can manage the events responsibly and that proceeding will benefit people and businesses connected to them.
The case against
Continuing regional tensions may make the safety and wellbeing of drivers, staff and spectators harder to assure, even if organisers currently judge the events feasible. Given that races elsewhere in the region have already been cancelled or moved, postponing or relocating these rounds could be seen as a prudent response to changing conditions rather than risking people or appearing insufficiently attentive to the situation.
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