The decision about the conclusion of the 2026 Formula 1 season remains surrounded by uncertainties, but Mohammed Ben Sulayem made the FIA’s priority clear in light of the situation in the Middle East. The president of the entity stated that drivers and team members will not be put at risk.
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A decision on the matter has gained urgency, as the deadline set by F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali to determine whether the Qatar and Abu Dhabi GPs can take place approaches. The season remains officially scheduled to end with the races in Qatar on November 29 and in Abu Dhabi on December 6, although Imola is pointed out as the most likely alternative should these races be canceled.
In an interview with the Associated Press during the Italian GP weekend, Ben Sulayem stated that, for now, the situation is being handled normally: “Everything is as planned. We are not changing anything unless necessary,” said the FIA president, who also highlighted maintaining regular contact with Domenicali.
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Ben Sulayem, who was born in the United Arab Emirates, acknowledged his personal connection to the region but placed safety above sporting interests: “I think human lives are more important than motorsport, but being from that part of the world, we cannot rush and simply say: ‘Okay, let’s cancel’,” he added.
The possibility of a calendar change gained strength after the Middle East rounds of the World Endurance Championship (WEC) were removed from the schedule and replaced by races in Barcelona and Monza. If Qatar and Abu Dhabi are also discarded by Formula 1, Imola could be the possible venue for the conclusion of the 2026 championship.
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