# FIA Confirms F1 Qatar and Abu Dhabi Races Proceed

> FIA president says Formula 1 races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi will run despite Middle East tensions.
- Title: FIA Confirms F1 Qatar and Abu Dhabi Races Proceed · Autosport
- Summary: FIA president says Formula 1 races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi will run despite Middle East tensions. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem confirms Formula 1 races…
- Keywords: fia, formula 1, qatar grand prix, abu dhabi grand prix, middle east conflict, f1 races, mohammed ben sulayem, stefano domenicali, sports, cars, Confirms, Qatar
- Source: Autosport — https://autosport.com/f1/news/fia-expects-f1-races-in-qatar-and-abu-dhabi-to-run-as-planned/10866553
- Author: Jake Boxall-Legge
- Published: 2026-10-20T17:10:41+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: fia, formula 1, qatar grand prix, abu dhabi grand prix, middle east conflict, f1 races, mohammed ben sulayem, stefano domenicali, sports, cars
## FIA President Confirms Races
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem says Formula 1 races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi will run as planned despite Middle East tensions.

> They're fine. One thing i would say, i have my children there - you think i would leave them there, and i'm here now with you?
## Recent Conflicts in Region
Recent conflicts include missile attacks on Riyadh's airport killing 13 people and ongoing tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.
## Bahrain and Saudi Races Cancelled
Bahrain and Saudi Arabia races were cancelled earlier this year, with Bahrain's event moved to Malaysia after the cancellation.
## FIA Contingency Plans
FIA has contingency measures for travel disruptions, including local ASN volunteers and officials to facilitate races if needed.
## Lebanese Rally Example
The FIA Middle East Rally Championship rebooted this year with officials from Cyprus, Greece, and Jordan after Saudi Arabia's cancellation.
## Dakar Rally Uncertain
The 2027 Dakar Rally may be moved to Morocco if it cannot host the race in Saudi Arabia.
## FIA Staff Safety
FIA staff will not travel to areas deemed risky, as FIA president states he would not leave his family in the Emirates if unsafe.
## Races Proceed as Planned
FIA confirms both Qatar and Abu Dhabi races will run as planned with contingency plans for potential disruptions.
## Key takeaway

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem confirms Formula 1 races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi will proceed as planned amid regional conflicts.