The concluding races of the Formula One season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi remain on schedule despite escalating tensions across the Middle East, according to motorsports governing body president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
The final two grands prix are scheduled to take place on November 29 in Qatar and December 6 in Abu Dhabi. Earlier in the year, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was scrapped following the outbreak of the United States and Israel’s war with Iran, while the race in Bahrain was delayed and shifted to Malaysia.
Addressing the upcoming events on social media on Tuesday, Federation Internationale de l’Automobile President Ben Sulayem stated that preparations are fully complete. He expressed eagerness to welcome participants and supporters to the two circuits for the championship conclusion, stating that they look forward to seeing everyone on the grid.
These assurances mirror statements issued by Formula One chief Stefano Domenicali last month. Meanwhile, drivers have voiced mixed reactions regarding competing in the region, with four-time world champion Max Verstappen among those expressing reservations.
On the championship front, Italian driver Kimi Antonelli has already clinched the drivers’ title, and Mercedes secured the constructors’ crown during the previous weekend in Sao Paulo. In neighboring Saudi Arabia, multiple events have faced cancellation or postponement recently in the wake of attacks by Yemen’s Houthis.
