Sainz says confidence in Qatar and Abu Dhabi F1 finale is premature, then backs FIA in statement

Carlos Sainz reopened the debate over Formula 1's Middle East finale on Thursday in Austin, saying it was hard to be confident that the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races will go ahead. Hours later, Williams released a statement in which the Spaniard said he trusts the FIA and F1 to put safety first, leaving the sport's official position unchanged with five weeks to go before the double-header.

What Sainz said in Austin

Speaking at the FIA's first press conference of the United States Grand Prix weekend on 22 October, Sainz, who is a director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, stressed he was speaking for himself rather than the drivers' body. He told reporters it was "very difficult to be convinced right now" that the final two rounds would take place, according to Racer and The Race.

He pointed to ongoing developments in the Middle East and to the US midterm elections on 3 November, which he suggested could shape the situation over the coming month. He described the confidence around the finale as relatively premature, while still saying that, as things stand, the races should go ahead and that drivers must be ready to react if anything changes.

The follow-up statement

The Race reported that, several hours after the press conference, Williams issued a statement from Sainz saying he trusts the FIA and F1 to put safety first and that the team looks forward to racing in both locations. It mirrors an episode in late September, when Max Verstappen questioned racing in the region before clarifying that he too trusts the sport's governing bodies.

F1's official position

Nothing has changed on the calendar. Reuters reported that FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said this week that the situation was fine and that he expected both races to proceed, and F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali has said the plan remains to race in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. The Qatar Grand Prix is scheduled for 29 November and the Abu Dhabi season finale for 6 December.

The context is significant for fans in this region. The conflict involving Iran has already forced the postponement of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian rounds this season, and Racer noted that Bahrain's race was moved to Malaysia earlier in October.

How the other drivers responded

Most of the grid echoed the line that drivers should follow the decisions of F1 and the FIA. George Russell and Lando Norris both said they would trust the governing bodies, with Norris adding that friends living in the region feel safe there. Isack Hadjar said the matter was out of his control and Franco Colapinto said he was comfortable with whatever is decided.

Imola has been floated as a possible back-up venue, though early-December cold in northern Italy is an obvious drawback. Oscar Piastri joked that the circuit might need snowploughs and said he would rather race in Australia at that time of year.

Key takeaways

• Sainz said it was very difficult to be convinced the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races will go ahead, speaking personally rather than for the GPDA.
• A later Williams statement said he trusts the FIA and F1 and looks forward to racing at both venues.
• The FIA and F1 say the calendar is unchanged: Qatar on 29 November, Abu Dhabi on 6 December.
• Imola remains a discussed contingency, with weather a clear concern.

FAQ

Are the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix still on the calendar? Yes. The FIA and F1 say the schedule is unchanged, with Qatar on 29 November and Abu Dhabi closing the season on 6 December.

Was Sainz speaking for the Grand Prix Drivers' Association? No. Sainz is a GPDA director but said his comments were personal. Other drivers, including Russell, Norris and Piastri, said they would follow the FIA and F1's lead.

Why is Malaysia linked to this story? The conflict in the region led to the postponement of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian rounds earlier this year, and Bahrain's race was moved to Malaysia in October.

Sources: Racer, The Race, Reuters, Crash.net