Carlos Sainz has expressed his concerns about the feasibility of the final races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi proceeding as scheduled, given the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Formula 1’s management and the FIA continue to assert that the concluding rounds of the 2026 season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, set for late November and early December, will take place as intended.
The ongoing tensions involving the US, its ally Israel, and Iran, compounded by recent attacks on Saudi Arabia instigated by Houthi rebels, contribute to an unstable situation in the region.
Additionally, the upcoming US midterm elections on November 3 may influence the geopolitical landscape, with reports indicating that the US and Israel might plan new military actions against Iran afterward.
F1 has been developing a backup plan for an alternative season finale in Imola during the weekend originally designated for the Abu Dhabi race; however, series officials appear eager to continue with the double-header in the Middle East based on the current situational reports and reassurances from various involved parties.
Nonetheless, Sainz, who serves as director of the GPDA, believes it is “difficult” and “premature” to anticipate a race finish in the region given the current events.
Abu Dhabi GP 2025
Photo by: Nicolas Economou / NurPhoto via Getty Images
“They appear quite certain that it’s going to proceed,” Sainz stated on Thursday, prior to this weekend’s United States Grand Prix in Austin. “From my personal standpoint, and without representing the GPDA, it’s challenging to be convinced at this moment due to the many developments occurring in the Middle Eastern region.
“Moreover, there is an upcoming election in the US, and various political developments might unfold that could drastically shift the situation in the coming weeks. Therefore, I find it fairly premature to have such strong convictions.”
However, Sainz acknowledged that the drivers have limited options but to trust the decisions made by the series executives, who possess more knowledge about the ground circumstances.
“As things stand, we would proceed to Qatar and Abu Dhabi, and if the FIA and F1 determine that it’s still safe and an acceptable scenario, I believe we, as drivers, must adhere to their guidance,” the Spanish driver remarked.
“We don’t have the same level of internal information that they possess, so we ought to support their judgment and faith in their decision-making.
“But at this moment, it’s clear that the world can undergo significant changes within the next six weeks. Thus, we need to stay adaptable to whatever transpires and not simply pursue our plans out of a desire to proceed immediately.”
