F1 to stage Qatar and Abu Dhabi finales despite safety concerns, with Imola stood down
Formula One will proceed with its scheduled season-ending races in the Middle East, holding the Qatar Grand Prix on 29 November and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on 6 December, despite safety concerns linked to regional conflict. Imola has been stood down as a back-up venue for the finale.
Imola, located 20 miles from Bologna, had been lined up to replace Abu Dhabi amid concern over the ongoing conflict in the region. April rounds in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were cancelled when the war broke out, and the Bahrain event was held in Malaysia in September. With the situation having somewhat stabilised in recent months, F1’s management retained confidence in finishing the season as planned.
The Press Association understands that a meeting between key stakeholders took place on Tuesday. Teams are thought to have been seeking detail and assurances around what plans were in place should an escalation occur during those race weeks.
MotoGP successfully held its race in Qatar last weekend, despite reported resistance from riders and Yamaha withdrawing from the event. That event is cited in discussions about staging motorsport in the region amid the security concerns.
F1 teams have consistently expressed confidence in the sport and governing body, the FIA, to make the right decision over where to end the season, and none are understood to have expressed an unwillingness over travelling to the Middle East. Safety remains the leading concern and it is understood F1 chiefs remain ready and prepared to pull the events should an escalation happen in the coming weeks.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said on Tuesday in a post on Instagram: “We are fully prepared and committed to delivering two outstanding Grands Prix weekends and a spectacular conclusion to the FIA Formula One World Championship. “We are working closely with our partners to ensure everything is in place for our drivers, teams and fans. We look forward to welcoming everyone for two thrilling weekends of racing and an unforgettable finish to the Formula One season.”
The Qatar Grand Prix is scheduled for 29 November, followed by the Abu Dhabi finale on 6 December.