FIA chief confirms Qatar and Abu Dhabi Formula One races will go ahead
Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the final two Grands Prix of the season are scheduled despite regional tensions.
The FIA president confirmed Qatar on November 27–29 and Abu Dhabi on December 4–6 will proceed as planned. Sportstar reported the statement amid regional uncertainty.
Key takeaways
- Qatar Grand Prix is scheduled for November 27–29
- Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is scheduled for December 4–6
- FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem made the announcement on social media
- Saudi Arabia Grand Prix was scrapped earlier this year
- Bahrain race was delayed and moved to Malaysia
The final races of the Formula One season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi will go ahead as planned despite tensions in West Asia, FIA chief Mohammed Ben Sulayem said on Tuesday, Sportstar reported. The last two Grands Prix of the year are scheduled for November 27–29 in Qatar and December 4–6 in Abu Dhabi.
What we know
Ben Sulayem confirmed on social media that the next two Grand Prix will go ahead despite the situation in the region. “We are ready for Qatar and Abu Dhabi,” he said.
“We are fully prepared and committed to delivering two outstanding Grand Prix weekends and a spectacular conclusion to the Formula One World Championship. We look forward to welcoming drivers, teams and fans to two iconic circuits for an unforgettable finish to the season. ”
Why it matters
The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix earlier this year was scrapped following the outbreak of the United States and Israel’s war with Iran, while the Bahrain race was delayed and moved to Malaysia. Ben Sulayem’s comments echo those made by F1 boss Stefano Domenicali last month.
F1 drivers have expressed mixed feelings about racing in West Asia, with four-time world champion Max Verstappen among those to air his reservations.
Several events in Saudi Arabia, which borders Qatar and the UAE, have been cancelled or postponed in recent weeks following attacks on the country by Yemen’s Houthis.
What happens next
Italian youngster Kimi Antonelli has already wrapped up the drivers’ world championship title, while his Mercedes team secured the constructors’ crown last weekend in Sao Paulo. The remaining championship schedule includes Las Vegas on November 19–21, Qatar on November 27–29 and Abu Dhabi on December 4–6.
Although Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Mercedes have already secured the drivers’ and constructors’ championships, several positions remain undecided. Max Verstappen holds a 17-point advantage over George Russell in the battle for second place, while Lewis Hamilton is just 1 point behind the Mercedes driver.
Mercedes is considering how to maximise Russell’s chances of recovering second place, although no permanent team-order policy has been confirmed. The final three Grands Prix will also be important for teams evaluating their 2027 preparations and drivers seeking to secure seats for next season.
Ben Sulayem did not announce a calendar change or provide details about the logistical arrangements for either event. His comments therefore represent a public expression of confidence rather than a detailed operational announcement.
Key dates and championship status
Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
Las Vegas Grand Prix | November 19–21 | Scheduled |
Qatar Grand Prix | November 27–29 | Scheduled |
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix | December 4–6 | Scheduled |
Drivers’ championship | — | Won by Kimi Antonelli |
Constructors’ championship | — | Won by Mercedes |
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