Sainz not convinced F1 2026 can finish in Middle East
The Williams driver says it is difficult to trust plans for Qatar and Abu Dhabi races.
· 2 min read
Carlos Sainz has said it is difficult to be convinced by Formula 1 chiefs that the final two rounds of 2026 in Qatar and Abu Dhabi can go ahead as planned. F1 management and the FIA maintain the races will take place back-to-back at the end of November.
Key takeaways
- Carlos Sainz says it is difficult to be convinced by F1 chiefs about the 2026 finale
- The final two rounds of 2026 are scheduled for Qatar and Abu Dhabi
- The races are planned back-to-back at the end of November
- F1 management and the FIA maintain the position that they will go ahead
- The ongoing Middle Eastern conflict is the reason for Sainz's doubt
Formula 1's 2026 season is scheduled to end in the Middle East, with Qatar and Abu Dhabi hosting the final two rounds back-to-back at the end of November and first weekend of December. F1 management and governing body the FIA have maintained that both races will proceed as planned. Carlos Sainz has admitted that it is difficult to be convinced by Formula 1's chiefs that the final rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi can go ahead as planned despite the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict. Williams Grand Prix Engineering Limited is a British Formula One team and constructor founded by Frank Williams and Patrick Head. The team was formed in 1977 after Frank Williams's earlier unsuccessful F1 operation, Frank Williams Racing Cars. Williams is based in Grove, Oxfordshire, on a 60-acre site. Sainz is yet to be convinced that F1 2026 will finish in the Middle East.
Sainz on 2026 Middle East finale
Carlos Sainz has said it is difficult to be convinced by Formula 1's chiefs that the final rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi can go ahead as planned despite the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict. Both F1 management and the FIA have maintained the position that the final two rounds of 2026 in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, scheduled back-to-back at the end of November and first weekend of December, will proceed. Sainz remains unconvinced that F1 2026 will finish in the Middle East.
Williams Grand Prix Engineering Limited is a British Formula One team and constructor. It was founded by Frank Williams and Patrick Head. The team was formed in 1977 after Frank Williams's earlier unsuccessful F1 operation, Frank Williams Racing Cars. The team is based in Grove, Oxfordshire, on a 60-acre site.
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