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FIA chief says Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to go ahead despite tensions

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In short

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem reaffirmed that the upcoming races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi will run on their planned dates, supporting earlier assurances from Formula One management. The current campaign has already endured major adjustments, including the cancellation of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and moving the Bahrain race to Malaysia amid regional warfare. Four-time champion Max Verstappen is among the drivers who have voiced hesitations about traveling to the area. Meanwhile, Mercedes and their Italian driver Kimi Antonelli enter these concluding events having already clinched both world titles in Sao Paulo.

Key points

  • Formula One leadership and the FIA remain fully committed to concluding the racing season…: Formula One leadership and the FIA remain fully committed to concluding the racing season in the Gulf region.
  • Driver reactions remain divided over safety, with four-time world champion Max Verstappen…: Driver reactions remain divided over safety, with four-time world champion Max Verstappen expressing reservations about competing.
  • The competitive stakes for the finale are reduced because Kimi Antonelli and Mercedes hav…: The competitive stakes for the finale are reduced because Kimi Antonelli and Mercedes have already secured both world championships.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

This year’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was scrapped following the outbreak of the US and Israel’s war with Iran.

The final races of the Formula One (F1) season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi will go ahead as planned despite tensions in the Middle East, the president of motorsports’ governing body Mohammed Ben Sulayem has said.

The last two grands prix of the year are scheduled for November 29 in Qatar and December 6 in Abu Dhabi.

The Saudi Arabia 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.

“We are ready for Qatar and Abu Dhabi,” said Ben Sulayem, president of the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), on social media on Tuesday.

“We are fully prepared and committed to delivering two outstanding grands 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. See you on the grid.”

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