The Middle East remains an important part of the international motorsport calendar, but recent developments in the region have raised questions about the safety of hosting major racing events. While Formula 1 has confirmed that the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix will go ahead as planned, concerns surrounding the security situation have not disappeared.
Last weekend, MotoGP went ahead with its Qatar Grand Prix at Lusail International Circuit, offering a first look at how a major motorsport event could operate under these circumstances. With specific emergency procedures and safety measures in place, the weekend provides an interesting case study for Formula 1.
But what measures were taken, how did the MotoGP weekend unfold, and what does this mean for the upcoming Formula 1 races? We take a closer look at the safety arrangements, the concerns raised by those involved and the preparations behind racing in the Middle East.
Formula 1 confirms Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix will go ahead
Formula 1 is set to continue its 2026 season in the Middle East, with both the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix expected to take place as originally scheduled. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem confirmed the decision in an interview with The National on November 9, putting an end to weeks of uncertainty surrounding the final two rounds of the championship.
Despite ongoing security concerns in the region, the FIA currently intends to proceed with both events. Ben Sulayem emphasised that the safety of everyone involved remains the organisation's highest priority.
The FIA is continuing to monitor developments closely, working alongside local authorities, Formula One Management (FOM), teams and other stakeholders. Each event is assessed individually, taking into account security advice, travel conditions and operational requirements.
We are ready for Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
We are fully prepared and committed to delivering two outstanding Grands Prix weekends
and a spectacular conclusion to the FIA Formula One World Championship.
We look forward to welcoming drivers, teams and fans to two
iconic circuits for an unforgettable finish to the season.
See you on the grid
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem
The risks for Formula 1 teams
Airspace Closures
Travelling to the Middle East comes with risks beyond the race weekend itself. One of the biggest concerns is a possible escalation of the conflict, which could lead to airspace closures and cancelled flights. In that scenario, hundreds of team members, drivers and other personnel could find themselves stranded in the region, unable to return home.
Hotels on Potential Target Lists
Additional concerns emerged after reports that hotels in Qatar and the UAE, where motorsport personnel were expected to stay, had appeared on a list of potential targets published by Iranian media. Although this does not confirm an imminent threat, it has raised further questions about the safety of those travelling to the region.
Silence on Safety Concerns
There have also been reports that Formula 1 teams were asked to be cautious with their public statements about the situation and avoid adding to speculation in the media. This has raised questions about how openly teams and drivers can discuss their concerns surrounding the upcoming races.
Emergency safety guidelines issued to MotoGP teams
Before Formula 1 heads to the Middle East, MotoGP has already put Qatar's safety arrangements to the test. The Qatar Grand Prix took place at Lusail International Circuit from November 6 to 8, after originally being scheduled for April but postponed due to the conflict in the region.
Despite growing concerns among riders and teams, MotoGP decided to proceed following discussions with Qatari authorities, the circuit, relevant embassies and independent security experts. However, not everyone was comfortable with the decision. Yamaha and its satellite team Pramac withdrew from the event, citing company-wide travel restrictions related to the security situation in the Middle East. Their withdrawal meant four riders were missing from the starting grid.
Emergency safety guidelines issued to MotoGP teams
According to the emergency document circulated by Lusail International Circuit, personnel were given seven key instructions to follow in the event of an emergency:
Seek shelter immediately. Do not go outside to observe or film what is happening.
If you are in a hotel, use the stairs to reach the designated safe area. Do not use the elevators.
If you are at the circuit, seek shelter inside a solid building. Avoid tents, open paddock areas and buildings with large glass windows.
If you are outdoors, enter the nearest suitable building and take shelter immediately.
If you are in a vehicle, stop and seek shelter in a nearby safe location.
Remain sheltered. Stay in your designated safe area for at least ten minutes or until an official all-clear has been given.
Do not touch any debris. Avoid taking photographs of debris and report anything suspicious to the relevant authorities.
How did the MotoGP weekend unfold?
After weeks of uncertainty and safety concerns leading up to the Qatar Grand Prix, all eyes were on what would happen once the MotoGP paddock arrived at Lusail International Circuit.
Despite the concerns surrounding the region, the race weekend passed without any reported security incidents or emergency situations. There were no reports of attacks, suspicious activity or interruptions to the event due to external security threats. The paddock atmosphere was described as relatively calm once teams and personnel had arrived.
MotoGP's deputy CEO Carlos Ezpeleta later confirmed that the event had taken place without any significant security incidents. He also acknowledged that the uncertainty and communication surrounding the event had created unnecessary tension and negative attention for the championship.
While the weekend itself remained calm, this does not mean the concerns raised beforehand were unfounded. The emergency procedures, additional precautions and questions from riders and teams remained an important part of the story.
In other words, there was no reported emergency during the Grand Prix, but the preparations showed that organisers were taking the potential risks seriously.
Can F1 Teams Decide Not to Participate in a Grand Prix?
The situation in MotoGP has shown that this can happen. Yamaha decided not to travel to Qatar due to the security situation, with its satellite team Pramac also sitting out. But could the same happen in Formula 1?
Yes. Teams can decide not to participate if they feel the safety of their personnel cannot be guaranteed. This concerns not only the drivers but also the thousands of employees working behind the scenes, many of whom have families and may not be willing to take unnecessary risks. Replacing key team members or an entire team at short notice would be nearly impossible
With both championships already decided, there are no more titles to fight for. So far, however, no F1 team has announced its withdrawal from either the Qatar or Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Whether that will change remains to be seen.
There could also be financial and sporting consequences. F1 teams are contractually expected to participate in every race, and withdrawing without a valid justification could result in penalties. However, the regulations recognise exceptional circumstances, including war and terrorist threats, as Force Majeure. This means that any potential penalty would depend on the specific circumstances and the FIA's assessment.
Qatar and Abu Dhabi: Two races, different security considerations
Although the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix are often discussed together, the two events take place in different countries and require separate security assessments.
In Qatar, Lusail International Circuit has already circulated an emergency shelter plan for teams and personnel. The document outlines procedures to follow in the event of an emergency, including where to seek shelter and how to respond to potential security threats.
For Abu Dhabi, however, no comparable publicly available emergency document has been identified so far. This does not necessarily mean that no additional safety measures are in place, but there is currently no confirmed information that the same seven guidelines issued in Qatar also apply to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The FIA has confirmed that both races are expected to go ahead, but this does not mean they are being assessed as one event. Each Grand Prix is evaluated individually, taking into account the security situation, local authorities' advice and the latest available information. The situation in both countries will continue to be monitored ahead of the races.
