The organisers of the Qatar Grand Prix have issued detailed emergency instructions explaining how Formula 1 teams, drivers and other personnel should respond in the event of a military attack. The safety document, distributed by the Lusail International Circuit, identifies designated shelters, buildings to avoid and procedures to follow both inside the paddock and at hotels. Although initially circulated ahead of the MotoGP event, the protocol also applies to Formula 1, which is scheduled to race at the same venue from November 27 to 29.
The extraordinary precautions reflect the growing impact of military tensions in the Middle East on international sporting events. While Formula 1 continues to confirm its planned races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, the introduction of specific instructions for a potential attack has brought renewed attention to the security arrangements surrounding the final stages of the 2026 championship.
Qatar GP safety protocol outlines emergency procedures for Formula 1
The document, entitled Internal Shelter Locations, was made public by British journalist Mat Oxley, who has covered motorcycle Grand Prix racing for almost four decades. According to the information released, the Lusail circuit has identified safe areas and established a seven-point emergency protocol for drivers, teams and personnel to follow if a national alert is issued.
The instructions resemble those normally associated with an active conflict zone, setting out the measures people should take to protect themselves if an attack occurs.
Anyone receiving an emergency alert is instructed to seek shelter immediately, rather than approach windows or stop to film what is happening. The guidance also covers hotels, where occupants must reach protected areas using staircases rather than lifts.
Those unable to leave their hotel rooms are advised to remain low to the ground and keep away from windows.
Where F1 teams and personnel must shelter at Lusail during an attack
Inside the circuit, each team is expected to use a previously identified solid building as its designated refuge. Temporary tents, exposed paddock areas and structures featuring glass façades should be avoided.
Personnel caught outside without access to a suitable shelter are instructed to crouch down and protect their heads. Similar precautions apply to anyone inside a vehicle, who should first stop and move away from the car.
The emergency procedures also specify how long individuals should remain in protected areas. Those taking shelter must stay there for at least ten minutes, or until the authorities declare that the alert has ended. Any debris discovered following an incident must not be touched or photographed. Instead, it should be reported to the emergency services.
These measures are intended to provide clear instructions to the thousands of people potentially present at the circuit and in surrounding accommodation during a major international motorsport event.
Mat Oxley describes unprecedented Qatar GP military safety instructions
Mat Oxley highlighted the exceptional nature of the document, explaining that he had never previously received anything comparable during his lengthy career covering MotoGP.
“In 39 years of MotoGP, I had never been sent a document explaining to riders, teams and fans where to shelter in the event of a military attack. It is something unique, a first, a historic event. And there is a very good reason for all this,” the British journalist commented.
Mat Oxley subsequently clarified that the emergency instructions were not limited to the motorcycle racing championship but also covered the Formula 1 Grand Prix scheduled to take place at Lusail later in November.
The document therefore has implications for both international championships, which are preparing to visit Qatar while uncertainty continues over the regional security situation.
Yamaha and Pramac absent from Qatar MotoGP as F1 maintains November plans
The MotoGP Qatar Grand Prix is scheduled for November 6–8, although Yamaha and Pramac will not participate. Their absence follows travel restrictions imposed by the Japanese manufacturer amid the security concerns affecting the region.
The decision has already highlighted the difficulties facing major motorsport championships operating in the Middle East. As previously reported, Formula 1 teams have also faced growing concerns about potential security threats in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, particularly regarding the safety of personnel travelling to the region.
Formula 1, however, continues to maintain its original schedule. The Qatar Grand Prix remains planned for November 27–29, followed by the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which is expected to conclude the 2026 championship.
At the same time, contingency arrangements remain under consideration. Imola has been authorised to prepare for a possible Formula 1 season finale should the situation in the Middle East deteriorate sufficiently to prevent the scheduled events from taking place.
No decision has been announced to replace the Qatar or Abu Dhabi races, and the intention remains to complete the championship according to the existing calendar.
Qatar F1 security precautions renew questions over the final 2026 races
The existence of a military attack protocol does not mean that an attack is imminent. The instructions are precautionary measures designed to establish how people should respond if an emergency occurs.
Nevertheless, the contrast between official reassurances about the safety of the events and a document explaining how thousands of people should protect themselves during a possible bombardment is difficult to ignore.
The question of whether Formula 1 should proceed with its final two Middle Eastern races has already become an important subject of debate. Concerns about the wider security situation have intensified as the championship approaches the final weeks of its season, with travel warnings raising further questions about the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix.
For now, Lusail is preparing to welcome Formula 1 while also ensuring that specific emergency procedures are available should circumstances change.
The introduction of these instructions illustrates the unusual situation facing the championship. Formula 1 remains committed to racing in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, but the need to prepare personnel for a possible military attack adds another dimension to the continuing debate over whether holding two Grands Prix in a region affected by armed conflict is appropriate.
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