Formula 1 to finish season in Middle East

Formula 1 plans to hold the season’s final two races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, despite the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. The decision matters because the races are near areas affected by missile strikes, and F1 says it will cancel them if the security situation worsens.

The Qatar Grand Prix is scheduled for 27-29 November and the Abu Dhabi race for 4-6 December. Imola had been preparing as a possible back-up venue but was told to stand down; F1 says travel advice, insurance and activity in Qatar and the UAE remain normal, and teams support the plan. Earlier this year, the Saudi Arabian race was cancelled and Bahrain’s was postponed amid the conflict.