Here’s what every F1 driver has said about racing in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, including a statement from Carlos Sainz.
Carlos Sainz is the latest Formula 1 driver to share his thoughts about the uncertain chances of the Grands Prix happening in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. Interestingly, he gave two slightly different views just hours apart.
During Thursday’s press conference before the United States Grand Prix, the Williams driver said it’s “very difficult to be convinced” that the races will happen because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, including recent attacks on Saudi Arabia.
F1’s CEO, Stefano Domenicali, has said the races scheduled for November 29 and December 6 will go ahead, but only with the “necessary assurances” about safety. There hasn’t been an update since, and the uncertainty is clearly on the minds of the drivers.
Sainz, who also chairs the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, made it clear he was speaking personally, not officially. He pointed out the situation in the Middle East is still changing a lot along with political events like the US midterm elections on November 3. He said it’s too early to be totally sure, but if F1 and the FIA say it’s safe, the drivers will follow that decision.
Later that day, Williams released a statement with Sainz’s words clarifying that he trusts F1 and FIA to put safety first and looks forward to racing in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
Max Verstappen was the first driver to talk about his concerns, saying last month that while he usually enjoys racing there, war nearby means they probably shouldn’t go, though it’s not his call. Before the US GP, he repeated that he trusts F1 and FIA to make the right call based on all the information they have.
Lewis Hamilton also said last month he hopes the races will go ahead, but admitted he doesn’t have all the details on the risks. He trusts Stefano Domenicali to make the right decision for the sport.
Other drivers, like Franco Colapinto and Oscar Piastri, echoed the same trusting attitude toward F1 and the FIA to decide what’s best. Piastri even joked about racing in Australia or Imola as backup options if the races were canceled.
Meanwhile, the Qatar and Abu Dhabi race organizers are still planning for the events. Abdulaziz Ali Al-Muhannadi, CEO of Qatar’s Lusail International Circuit, said they’re almost ready and excited to welcome the world back for these big races in November and December.