F1 CEO says 'not even thinking of it' on Middle East race changes

Dubai: Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali that there were no plans for now of moving the venues for the season-ending Middle East races that include Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

Qatar will be hosting the penultimate round of the championship on November 30 while the Abu Dhabi will host the final race of the calendar on December 7 at the Yas Marina Circuit.

“To say something on that is very, very difficult,” Domenicali said during an event to mark the 75th anniversary of F1 with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street. Several several drivers and team principals were also part of the occasion.

“So far, we don't have this kind of signal and so we are really hoping not. So I don't want to even think about it, mainly for the bigger picture and not for the racing itself … and of course, in case of, we have a plan. But let's hope this will not be even thinkable,” he added.

Iran responded to US participation in Israel's 12-day air war against Iran last month by firing missiles at a US airbase in Qatar. The developments meant airline services in the Middle East have been heavily disrupted with some countries closing their airspace for a period.

Domenicali said the F1 team was closely monitoring the situation.

Given the weather conditions in December finding replacement races at some European tracks will also pose a serious challenge.

“Europe is big, the temperatures are quite mild in certain areas,” said Domenicali, who agreed one circuit might host both races. “Definitely, we cannot go in places where there will be snow. But as I said, I am not even thinking about that.

“We are not worried at all that this will have an effect on the championship.”