F1 and FIA Commit to Qatar and Abu Dhabi Finales with Imola Held as Contingency

Overview

• FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has publicly reaffirmed that Formula 1 intends to finish the season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, and F1 is expected to formally confirm those rounds.
• Imola in Italy has been authorised as a one‑off replacement and has begun temporary preparations so organisers can switch venues quickly if regional security deteriorates.
• Organisers point to recent local government assurances and the largely incident‑free MotoGP weekend at Lusail as evidence that Gulf events can proceed, noting some teams and riders previously opted out of MotoGP’s races.
• The UK FCDO has eased its strictest travel warning for Qatar and Abu Dhabi but continues to warn of the risk of sudden escalation, flight cancellations and airspace disruption that could force last‑minute changes.
• A late venue change would impose heavy logistical, commercial and sporting costs on teams, broadcasters and promoters, and individual teams will retain the right to decide whether to travel on safety or reputational grounds.