International Automobile Federation (FIA) president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has affirmed that the final two rounds of the Formula One season will go ahead as planned in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. Despite the ongoing war in Iran and regional instability in the Gulf, the governing body remains committed to the current schedule. Speaking after the launch of a new FIA Remote Operations Centre at Biggin Hill—located within the television headquarters for the sport—the Emirati official expressed confidence in the upcoming fixtures.
Qatar’s Lusail circuit is slated to host its race on November 29, followed by the season finale at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina on December 6.
While acknowledging existing concerns regarding the Dakar Rally scheduled for January in Saudi Arabia, Ben Sulayem stated that the current situation in the two F1 host nations is under control. When asked directly if conditions were acceptable, he replied, “Yeah, fine,” while noting the unpredictability of the future. “Does this mean nothing is going to happen? I cannot predict this. I can only tell you today that there is nothing and the two races are going to happen,” he added.
Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali, who was present at the opening ceremony but did not address the media, has previously confirmed that the calendar remains unchanged. While reports suggest Italy’s Imola circuit could serve as a potential backup for the final race, Ben Sulayem emphasized that his own children remain in the Emirates and that he is comfortable with FIA personnel attending the events. He also confirmed that contingency plans have been established should travel restrictions prevent staff from reaching the locations.
