F1 presses ahead with plan to hold season finale in Middle East despite safety concerns

Formula One is moving ahead with plans to hold its season-ending races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, standing down Imola as a contingency venue. The Italian circuit had been lined up to host the finale if regional conflict prevented racing in the Middle East. However, the Qatar Grand Prix on November 29 and the Abu Dhabi finale on December 6 are currently scheduled to proceed as planned.

F1 management and the FIA met with key stakeholders on Tuesday to discuss safety assurances following earlier cancellations in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem confirmed commitment to delivering the final two rounds, while officials remain prepared to cancel the races if regional tensions escalate.