Carlos Sainz has issued a clarification after raising doubts about whether the 2026 Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix should go ahead amid continuing tensions in the Middle East. The Williams driver questioned whether Formula 1 could already be confident about holding the final two races of the season, prompting a firm response from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and a subsequent statement issued through his team.
The controversy emerged during the United States Grand Prix weekend in Austin, where Carlos Sainz, who also represents drivers through the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), emphasised the importance of remaining alert to changing security conditions. Although neither Qatar nor the United Arab Emirates has been directly involved in the recent explosions, which occurred in Saudi Arabia, the wider regional situation continues to generate concern within Formula 1.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem insists Qatar and Abu Dhabi races will go ahead
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem responded firmly to the uncertainty surrounding the final two rounds of the Formula 1 championship, insisting that the races remain scheduled to take place.
“The Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix will take place as planned. My children are in the Emirates: I wouldn’t put anyone in danger. We need to use common sense,” Mohammed Ben Sulayem declared.
His comments were intended to reaffirm the FIA’s position that the championship should proceed with its planned visits to Qatar and Abu Dhabi despite the current conflict and the wider atmosphere of tension in the Middle East.
The two events remain on the 2026 Formula 1 calendar, with the Qatar Grand Prix scheduled for 29 November and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix following on 6 December.
Carlos Sainz questions certainty over Qatar and Abu Dhabi GP safety
While Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have not been directly involved in the recent explosions, the situation across the Middle East has created understandable concerns within the Formula 1 paddock. Drivers have also expressed uncertainty about the implications for the final part of the season.
Max Verstappen had already raised the issue several weeks earlier, and Carlos Sainz added his own concerns during the drivers’ press conference in Austin. As a GPDA representative, the Spanish driver stressed that the championship needed to remain responsive to developments rather than assume the situation would remain unchanged.
“There are still a lot of things happening in the Middle East; then there will also be the elections in the United States and other political events around the world that could influence the next month and beyond. So I think it’s premature to be so convinced that we’re going to Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
“As things stand, it looks like we’re going there. If the FIA and Formula 1 decide that it’s still safe and that it’s a viable scenario, I think we drivers should follow whatever they say. The world can change a lot over the next month, and we need to remain vigilant and responsive to whatever happens, rather than going simply because we want to right now.”
Carlos Sainz did not explicitly call for either Grand Prix to be cancelled. Instead, he questioned the level of certainty surrounding the events while emphasising that drivers should respect the decisions taken by Formula 1 and the FIA if the governing bodies determine that the races can be held safely.
Williams issues clarification after Carlos Sainz’s Austin comments
Carlos Sainz’s remarks do not appear to have been particularly well received within the Formula 1 paddock. Following the reaction to his press conference comments, Williams arranged for the Spanish driver to clarify his position through the team’s communications department.
The subsequent statement sought to remove any doubt about his confidence in the organisations responsible for deciding whether the season’s final two races can proceed safely.
“Following some reports concerning my comments in the press conference about the end of the season in the Middle East, I want to clarify once again that I am certain the FIA and Formula 1 will put safety first, and I have complete confidence that they will make the right decision. We are looking forward to racing in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.”
The clarification placed particular emphasis on Carlos Sainz’s trust in the FIA and Formula 1 to prioritise safety. It also confirmed that the Williams driver remains keen to compete at both events, provided the relevant authorities determine that conditions are suitable.
Qatar and Abu Dhabi remain on the 2026 F1 calendar amid Middle East tensions
For the moment, Formula 1’s plans for the final two Grands Prix remain unchanged. However, the wider geopolitical situation continues to be monitored as the championship approaches its concluding races.
The intention to proceed with both events has already been reflected in the latest updates on the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix amid Middle East tensions, with the championship continuing its preparations despite ongoing concerns about regional security.
The contrasting comments from Carlos Sainz and Mohammed Ben Sulayem underline the difference between expressing caution about how the situation might develop and maintaining confidence in the arrangements currently in place.
While the FIA president has reiterated that the races will proceed as planned, Carlos Sainz has made clear that he trusts the governing bodies to make the appropriate decisions. His clarification reinforces that position while leaving the ultimate assessment of safety in the hands of Formula 1 and the FIA.
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