F1 CEO Reports Contingency Plan for Qatar, Abu Dhabi Races

Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali confirmed that the sport has a contingency plan in place should the season-ending races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi be affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, though he emphasized there is currently no concern these races will be canceled. The races, scheduled for November 30 in Qatar and December 7 in Abu Dhabi, are part of a triple-header following the Las Vegas race on November 22. Tensions escalated after Iran launched missiles at a U.S. airbase in Qatar in response to U.S. involvement in Israel's conflict with Iran, causing disruptions to airline services and airspace closures in the region. Domenicali stated Formula One is in daily contact with Middle Eastern promoters who remain relaxed and that the situation is being closely monitored. If the races cannot proceed as planned, replacement events could be held at warmer European circuits, such as Portugal's Algarve circuit, which was previously used during the COVID-19 pandemic. Domenicali expressed hope that the contingency plan will not be needed and reiterated that Formula One is not currently worried about the conflict affecting the championship calendar.