Mohamed Ben Sulayem, President of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), stated that the organisation is fully prepared for the final two Formula 1 races of the season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. He published his message on Instagram, accompanied by a brief statement: "We are ready for Qatar and Abu Dhabi".
The post served as an indirect response to rumours about the possible cancellation of the two closing races. Ben Sulayem emphasised: "We are fully ready and committed to delivering two exceptional race weekends and a spectacular conclusion to the Formula 1 World Championship." He added that he looks forward to the arrival of drivers, teams and fans at two iconic circuits, noting that they are working closely with partners to ensure everything is ready for drivers, teams and fans. He concluded his message with the words: "See you at the start."
The two final races are scheduled for the weekends of 28 and 29 November and 5 and 6 December. Their organisation has been shrouded in significant uncertainty for months, with the FIA and local organisers reaching a stalemate as neither party wished to assume responsibility for unilaterally cancelling a race. Such a move could result in losses of tens of millions of dollars.
The uncertainty is set against the backdrop of a conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States, the military consequences of which have been felt in Gulf states since February. This has disrupted the holding of motor racing events in the region, leading to the cancellation of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Formula 1 during the spring, as well as a number of other events such as rallies and endurance races.
As early as the beginning of October, Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali announced his intention to hold the final two races of the season, but his announcement was met with scepticism in Formula 1 circles. Last weekend in Qatar, a MotoGP championship race was successfully held without any significant incidents, although Japanese manufacturer Yamaha decided not to participate.
Three races remain on the Formula 1 calendar, in Las Vegas from 19 to 21 November, and in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. The drivers' title has already been won by Italian Kimi Antonelli, while the constructors' title went to Mercedes.
