Team leaders say F1 has “three different ideas” for racing in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
After some F1 drivers shared their concerns about the world championship visiting Qatar and Abu Dhabi during ongoing conflicts in the region, a few team bosses have now spoken up. They say the championship is getting ready for all possible situations.
The end of the 2026 season is uncertain, as F1 isn’t sure if it can still race in the Middle East given the current tensions. Last week, Carlos Sainz had to clarify his earlier comments where he said he was against racing there. Now, James Vowles, the Williams team boss, has also shared his thoughts.
The situation in the Middle East is quite tense. Saudi Arabia recently faced attacks on its airports from Yemen’s Houthi rebels, which has made many people question F1’s plans for upcoming races there. Before the Mexico City GP, Williams’ James Vowles and Red Bull’s Laurent Mekies talked about the championship’s backup plans.
Vowles said, “F1 and the FIA have been great at keeping us informed. They have Plan A, B, and C ready. This is a serious decision, and we trust their process because they’ve done a deep analysis.”
Mekies added his honest opinion but stayed diplomatic. He said, “We trust the FIA and F1. It’s a serious topic, and it’s their job to look at all the details and guide us. Since we don’t do the same level of assessment, we rely on them to make the right call. History shows they’ve made good decisions before. All teams are in the same situation, and logistics are managed through F1 and the FIA.”
So, what’s next for F1 in Qatar and Abu Dhabi? F1 and FIA president Muhammed Ben Sulayem have said the Middle East races will go ahead, but the ongoing concerns can’t be ignored. Experts warn that violence might rise again, especially after the US mid-term elections, with President Trump reportedly planning new actions.
One option could be to move the races to Europe, like the World Endurance Championship did by racing in Barcelona and Monza instead of Qatar and Bahrain. Another option is to end the season early, making Las Vegas the final race of 2026.