F1 plans to proceed with Qatar and Abu Dhabi races despite strikes
Formula 1 intends to maintain its scheduled Middle Eastern races despite Houthi missile attacks in the region. While F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali previously promised a decision by mid-September, the sport is proceeding with the Qatar and Abu Dhabi rounds as planned.
F1 plans to proceed despite regional strikes
F1 intends to keep the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races on the calendar despite missile strikes in the region. Houthi attacks have targeted Saudi Arabia, including the Aramco headquarters located 100 miles from the Lusail circuit. ESPN reports that the sport plans to keep the races as they are without an official announcement. F1 sources told ESPN that the calendar speaks for itself and remains as written. I find the refusal to issue a formal statement adds to the confusion for teams managing complex logistics. This decision follows a period where F1 and race organisers reportedly played chicken over who would pay the financial blow if one race moved or was cancelled. While F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali previously promised a final decision before the middle of September, the sport is currently proceeding with its scheduled Middle Eastern races despite ongoing Houthi missile attacks in the region. This situation persists amidst the war between Iran and the United States and the conflict between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia. Mattia Binotto, the Audi team principal, told the press in Baku that mid-October was the last call for such a decision. F1 admitted that the two races in the Middle East are still not set in stone, despite Domenicali previously stating the direction for the last two Grands Prix is based on reassurances he has.
Championship math and F2 uncertainty
The potential cancellation of the Qatar Grand Prix would disrupt the championship race for Kimi Antonelli. The Italian driver currently holds a 102 point lead. If a cancellation announcement occurs between the Austin and Mexico City rounds, the removal of 25 available points would hand him the title while he sits at home. I view this as a staggeringly anticlimactic end to a historic season.
F2 boss Bruno Michel expects his series to finish in the Middle East as planned. Michel stated that Qatar and Abu Dhabi will not be cancelled. He also noted that F1 is keeping a race at Imola in reserve. If the Middle Eastern races fail and no Imola race occurs, Rafael Camara could already have the F2 championship. Michel stated it would be very sad if the season ended this way. He also noted that he does not think they would crown a champion a month after the fact. The uncertainty surrounding the Imola reserve race concerns the series. It remains unknown whether F2 would also race in Italy if F1 shifts the schedule to Imola. Michel reiterated that he wants to finish the championship as planned.
