Oct.21 (GMM) FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem says he is comfortable with Formula 1 finishing its season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi despite the continuing uncertainty across the Middle East.
Speaking to reporters at the opening of the FIA’s new Remote Operations Centre at Biggin Hill, Ben Sulayem said the situation currently appears safe enough for both races to proceed.
“Yeah, fine,” he said.
“Does this say that there is nothing going to happen? I cannot predict this. I can only tell you today that there is nothing and the two races are going to happen.”
Ben Sulayem added a particularly personal measure of his confidence, saying his own children are still in the Emirates.
“My children are there,” he said.
“If I felt there was a risk, I would not leave my children there.”
He added that he would also be comfortable sending FIA personnel to the races, while stressing that contingency plans remain available if the situation changes.
That confidence comes despite the deteriorating regional picture, with several sporting events already cancelled or postponed and Imola still lined up as the possible Formula 1 fallback.
Ben Sulayem was notably more cautious about January’s Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia.
“Up to now we are there,” he said.
“If you ask me ‘is it going to happen?’, I don’t know. If you tell me ‘is it going to be cancelled?’, I don’t know.”
“There are options.”
Max Verstappen, who had previously expressed clear reservations about racing in Qatar and Abu Dhabi under the wrong conditions, has also softened his tone.
Asked whether he could boycott the races, he replied: “I said that I didn’t want to race there?”
“I just said that I love going there, but, of course, under the right terms. But I trust that F1 and then the FIA will take the right decision because they will have more information than us, and that’s what we rely on.”
Pressed again on whether a boycott was off the table, Verstappen said: “Like I said, I trust that they make the right call.”
There are motorsport events, and then there is the Indianapolis 500, the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Next year marks Grand Prix Tours' 42nd Indianapolis 500 tour and our decades of experience and local connections provide exclusive access that few fans ever enjoy, including police escorts on race day, a Dallara IndyCar Factory tour, Gasoline Alley and Legends Day, the Driver Introduction Ceremony, and a private dinner with former Indy driver Derek Daly. Combined with excellent hotel accommodations, seamless event planning, and Grand Prix Tours' signature service, this is far more than a race weekend; it's a once-in-a-lifetime motorsport experience. With tour spaces limited each year, we encourage you to reserve your place early for the 111th Indianapolis 500.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience Formula 1 at its most iconic with an unforgettable trip to the 2027 Grand Prix de Monaco. Feel the excitement as the world’s best drivers race through the legendary streets of Monte Carlo, surrounded by superyachts, Mediterranean views, and the unmistakable glamour of Monaco. From incredible race viewing to carefully selected accommodations, Grand Prix Tours brings you closer to the action at one of the most prestigious and spectacular events in all of motorsport.
SHOW PACKAGES
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the ultimate test of speed, strategy, and endurance. Watch the world's top manufacturers battle for 24 nonstop hours in one of motorsport's most prestigious events. With Grand Prix Tours handling your accommodations, transfers, and ticket options, all that's left is to experience this unforgettable bucket-list race.
SHOW PACKAGES
Feel the roar of Formula 1 at its spiritual home. Silverstone is one of the fastest and most demanding circuits in the world, where brave overtakes, lightning-fast direction changes, and flat-out commitment separate the best from the rest. Combined with the electric atmosphere created by hundreds of thousands of passionate fans, the British Grand Prix delivers a race weekend unlike any other.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience the thrill of the Canadian Grand Prix with Grand Prix Tours! Feel the excitement of Formula 1 as the world's best drivers battle it out on Montreal's iconic Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. Explore the vibrant city, enjoy unforgettable race weekend experiences, and soak up the electric atmosphere. Make your Canadian Grand Prix getaway one to remember with our exclusive travel packages. Secure your spot today!
SHOW PACKAGES