Uncertainty surrounding the final races of the 2026 Formula 1 season is growing as the conflict in the Middle East once again casts a shadow over the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix. After already forcing the championship to cancel the Saudi Arabian round and relocate the Bahrain Grand Prix to Malaysia, tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel are threatening to disrupt the calendar again. This time, however, the concerns extend beyond the circuits themselves, with hotels accommodating Formula 1 team personnel reportedly appearing among potential targets.
With the Qatar Grand Prix scheduled for 27–29 November and the Abu Dhabi season finale set for 4–6 December, the situation is creating increasing anxiety within the paddock. Although Formula 1 continues to confirm both events, recent developments have raised fresh questions about the safety of everyone expected to travel to the region.
F1 team hotels reportedly appear among potential Iranian targets
On 31 October, the Iranian news agency Fars released a video containing a series of maps and potential retaliation targets, accompanied by an explicit warning: “These are the targets that will be struck if the United States or Israel attacks Iran again.”
The list, presented under the title “Zero Hour”, identifies strategic infrastructure and civilian facilities across eight countries in the region, including Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Among the locations featured are airports, ports, power stations, desalination facilities, shopping centres and hotels.
Some of the hotels reportedly included among the potential targets are facilities used by Formula 1 and MotoGP teams during their respective race weekends. Although these communications are unofficial, the possibility that accommodation used by championship personnel could feature in a list of Iranian retaliation targets is hardly reassuring for those preparing to travel to the Middle East in the coming weeks.
The concern is particularly significant because the threat would not be confined to the racing circuits. Team members, engineers, mechanics and other personnel spend much of a Grand Prix weekend away from the track, making the security of accommodation and surrounding infrastructure an important consideration.
Yamaha withdraws from Qatar MotoGP amid security concerns
While Formula 1 continues to assess the situation, a major decision has already been taken in MotoGP. Yamaha has officially announced that it will not participate in the Qatar Grand Prix, scheduled for 6–8 November, following a reassessment of security conditions in the region.
In its official statement, the Japanese manufacturer explained that it had found no “sufficient reasons to modify the travel restrictions currently in force at company level”.
The decision also affects Yamaha’s satellite team, Pramac, and could have sporting and contractual consequences.
The withdrawal represents a significant development for international motorsport, particularly as Formula 1 prepares to visit the same country later in November. Concerns about the safety of competitors and paddock personnel had already emerged in MotoGP, with riders seeking stronger security guarantees ahead of the Qatar event.
Formula 1 maintains Qatar and Abu Dhabi GP plans with Imola on standby
Despite the growing uncertainty, Formula 1 continues to confirm the Qatar Grand Prix for 27–29 November and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for 4–6 December.
The championship remains in contact with local authorities while also keeping Imola available as an alternative venue for 6 December. The Italian circuit has already emerged as a possible solution should the geopolitical situation make it impossible to complete the season in the Middle East as planned.
As previously reported, Imola has been preparing for the possibility of hosting a December Formula 1 Grand Prix, even as Qatar and Abu Dhabi continue their own preparations.
Some journalistic reports suggest that teams may have been asked, through internal communications, to avoid public statements that could be critical or encourage speculation about the safety of the races.
This reported approach highlights the delicate position facing the championship. Formula 1 is attempting to maintain its scheduled events while managing growing uncertainty over the regional security situation and the concerns of those who would be required to travel there.
Carlos Sainz controversy and FIA reassurances highlight paddock tensions
ScuderiaFans.com had already highlighted the contrast between reassurances from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and the United States’ decision to withdraw non-essential diplomatic personnel from Saudi Arabia.
The FIA president had sought to reassure those concerned about the final two races, maintaining that the championship would not knowingly expose its personnel to unacceptable danger. His position was outlined in his assessment of the security situation surrounding the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix.
تحديث بنك أهداف الجمهورية الإسلامية الإيرانية
هذه هي الأهداف التي سيتم استهدافها إذا شنت امريكا أو الكيان الصهيوني عدوانا على إيران مرة أخرى. https://t.co/mi52tlOn9z
— وكالة أنباء فارس (@arabicfarsnews) October 31, 2026
Only a few days later, attention turned to Carlos Sainz after the Spanish driver publicly expressed doubts about whether racing in the Middle East was appropriate under the circumstances.
Those concerns were followed by what appeared to be a suspicious clarification from Williams, issued just two hours after Carlos Sainz had raised what were entirely legitimate questions about the wisdom of proceeding with the races.
The episode further illustrated the tension between the official reassurances being offered by Formula 1 and the reservations expressed by individuals within the paddock.
Senior F1 paddock figures reportedly oppose racing in Qatar and Abu Dhabi
Those doubts appear to be considerably more widespread than public statements might suggest.
According to journalist Andrew Benson, numerous people within the Formula 1 paddock, including figures occupying extremely senior positions, believe that holding the final two races of the season in the region would be inappropriate under the present circumstances.
Most of these concerns are reportedly being expressed privately, rather than in public statements. One of the principal fears is that a sudden escalation of the conflict could leave thousands of Formula 1 personnel stranded in the region, potentially unable to leave if security conditions deteriorated rapidly.
The uncertainty surrounding travel and regional security has already raised broader questions about the championship’s closing events, with warnings about possible disruption to the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix adding to the debate.
For now, Formula 1 continues to prepare for both Middle Eastern races, while Imola remains a contingency option. However, the combination of reported threats to civilian infrastructure, Yamaha’s withdrawal from Qatar and concerns expressed privately by senior paddock figures is making the final weeks of the 2026 season increasingly uncertain.
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